The Importance Of Social Learning Theory

Beginning in the 1950’s, theorists began to shift learning theory’s focus from animals to social learning. The focus was to examine patterns of behavior by humans acting in a social world, and evaluate the cognitive structures that people use to interpret events. Social learning theory combines social learning and the study of cognition. The key concepts of Social Learning theory are: personality is influenced because of the individual’s interactions with the social environment, and people influence their own development through interactions with the environment. The theory uses a social-cognitive approach that is used by scientists and researchers.

Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory describes the process through which people acquire new info, forms of behavior, or attitudes from others firsthand or vicariously. The likelihood of a behavior presenting itself will rely on the amount of reinforcement it receives and the value that the individual associates to it. While some behavior may be rewarded, others may produce unfavorable responses. An individual will learn from the consequences of these actions and when a similar situation arises, they will alter their behavior according to what was most successful in the past.

Two prominent researchers, B.F. Skinner and Albert Bandura, have developed theories which provide differing perspectives and explanations regarding the learning behavior of individuals. The purpose of this writing is to explore the theoretical perspectives of Operant Conditioning Theory developed by B.F. Skinner and Social Learning Theory developed by Albert Bandura. An overview of both theories is presented, followed by a discussion of their similarities and differences.

Social learning theory, developed by Bandura, discusses how people learn from one another through observation, modeling, and imitation bridging an individual’s attention, memory and motivation. Social learning theory identifies the importance of cognition, observable behavior, individual self-efficacy, and the extent of how the events surrounding an individual affect them; their locus of control. Social learning theory also looks at individual problem behavior being influenced by positive or negative reinforcement (Ashford & LeCroy, 2012).

Behaviouristic theories of learning are essentially theories of conditioning and emphasize the role of reinforcement in learning. One of the mot predominant theories is Albert Bandura’s social learning theory, which assumes that. People learn through observing others’ behavior, attitudes, and outcomes of those behaviors which is called observational learning, that is an indirect form of learning known as vicarious learning and indirect forms of reinforcement which is called vicarious reinforcement .Bandura renamed SLT as social cognitive theory to accommodate the ever increasing importance in his thinking of cognitive factors .SLT has also

Albert Bandura (1977), the originator of social learning theory, focused his research on the process of how people learn through observation. Social Learning stems from a cognitive and behavioral theory model. This is demonstrated through the well-known Bobo Doll experiment. The experiment entailed a child observing an adult being aggressive towards the Bobo Doll (Pavlov et al., 1961). The results indicated that children imitated the observed behaviors of being aggressive towards the doll (Pavlov et al., 1961).

There are various different factors that influence aggression in both children and adults. More so, significant research has proven that there are distinct differences between aggression shown by men and women. Aggression is behavior intended to harm another individual, and extreme cases on aggression is called violence. In 2010, 90% of murderers in the United States were male. Numerous researchers have found that the gender differences in aggression are astounding, and that males show aggression a significant amount more than females. These differences are primarily because of what we learn, and what we experience throughout the lifespan. It is true that both males and females learn aggression through learning and experience, but the way

Effective social learning theories do not just explain behaviors, they build bridges. Few experts believe that social or even biologically determined actions arise in isolation: they come about as a result of a variety of factors that may be located inside or outside of the subject, but eventually they come together in combination. It is this recognition that has formed the basis (at least in retrospect) for the long-lasting impact of Bandura's social learning or now social cognitive theory of behavior. It is a theory that can be its own agent for building a better self (Bandura, Agentic, n.d.).

Theory number one based off my previous journal entry is social learning theory. The theory that we can all learn from each other through observations, replications , and by sculpting their behaviors, manners and emotion relations of those around them. That theory is relevant and applied because of my current career field, it is important to be open and capable of learning from everyone around you, that’s a very important attribute. I could tell a person multiple times how to do something and they won’t understand or comprehend the directions or instructions that I give them. A lot, of times I have to come up with examples, memorandums, formats and templates to aid them in learning; that doesn’t always work. However, for those that lack understanding I can take some extra time and show them exactly how it needs to be done. I’ll explain

Undergraduates and youths in general have different opinions on the outcome of drinking alcohol alone and mixing it with energy drinks. Their perceptions differ because of the variant experiences the individuals have had for long. There are different articles used in this report that have significant information to the opinions of undergraduates concerning the outcome of drinking alcohol alone and mixing it with energy drinks. This report includes different journal articles with different and relevant information on the mixed consumption of alcohol and energy drinks.

The Social Learning Theory is best defined as crime is learned through associations with others who commit crimes. Juveniles are very impressionable or gullible, wherein they want to be popular or part of the in-crowd or clique. In comparison to the 1970’s versus today, juveniles are emulating criminals depicted on television not just through associations. Consider the current state of technology, specifically the internet and websites such as “You Tube.” With respect to crime and juvenile delinquents, You Tube is and can be a negative influence. In addressing the topics of associations and crime, the Columbine massacre, as well as the current school shootings, can be attributed to the Social Learning Theory.

Many theories have been created over the years to explain why not only delinquents but other individuals as well engage in deviant behavior. Social learning theory is one of the most pronounced theories in criminology. As we all may know, there will always be some sort of inappropriate behavior that leads to crime. This theory attempts to figure out what is it that makes people commit these acts. The social learning theory is a theory I believe produces a well-explained reasoning behind why people behave the way they do. This theory states that human behavior is modeled through imitation, observation, and one’s environment.

In this essay, I will try to evaluate Social learning theory as originated by Albert Bandura. I am going to use three pieces of evidence, in a form of case studies, which have been done previously to support or contradict Bandura’s theory. I will demonstrate my knowledge of these studies throughout their analysis, trying to highlight their strengths and limitations.

Akers and Sellers (2013) has stated that social learning theory is an expanded theory of differential association processes and improves it with differential reinforcement and other principles of the behavior theory. They added classical conditioning (the sharpening of involuntary reflex behavior); discriminative stimuli (internal stimuli that lead to signals for behavior); schedules of reinforcement (rewards and punishment ratio following behavioral feedback); and other theories of behavior (Akers & Sellers, 2013).

Many learning theories can be used to motivate learning and improve people’s ability, knowledge, skills, and many other important factors. Social learning theory and Goal setting I consider very important. Social learning theory emphasizes that people learn by observing others, like role models who are credible and knowledgeable. The doctrine recognizes that behavior that is reinforced or rewarded tends to be repeated. For example, employees can learn new skills or adapt different behavior from experiencing the consequences of using a practice or professional qualifications. They also can observe others and identify the consequences of their actions. During the process of social learning theory attention, retention, motor production, motivational processes, and matching model performances represent essential elements. This theory recognizes that behavior that is reinforced or rewarded tends to be repeated. People can learn by observing others and seeing the consequence of their actions. For example, when I lived in Japan, I couldn’t speak the language and learned through observation of other people. You learn with no additional performance by using cognitive process and modeling. Self-regulation techniques are a great tool that people can use to improve their abilities. In fact, by observing other employees’ performance, some individuals can increase appropriate behavior and decrease the inappropriate one. For example, people can use logical verification and observation of