Social Learning Theory Approach

Behaviour is learned from the environment through the process of observational learning.
Mediating cognitive factors which lie between stimulus and response influence our behaviour. Observational learning has 4 conditions: Attention,Retention,Motor Reproduction and Motivation. Learning can occur by observing role models in the environment Learning can be as a result of direct reinforcement or vicarious reinforcement.

Bandura a SLT psychologist claimed that the application of consequences central to operant conditioning was not essential for learning to occur. Instead learning can occur via simply observing role models in the environment. Bandura believed that the mind, behaviour and the environment all play an important role in learning. SLT therefore moved away from radical behaviourism in taking into account the importance of cognitive processes involved in learning.

Learning as a result of observing an individuals personal experience. Rather than a direct reinforcement or experience.

A live model is physically present in our environment i.e our parents. A symbolic model are not physically present for example actors in films . Symbolic models have a greater impact in countries such as the UK where there is a variety of media available.

Bandura showed 3-6 year old boys and girls a video in which children of a similar age were shown to behave in an aggressively a Bobo doll'. At the end of the video there was three endings. (1) The adult in the film commented positively on the behaviour. (2) The adult commented negatively on the behaviour. (3) The adult made no comment. After showing the video the children were placed on a room with a Bobo doll. Bandura found that Boys showed greater levels of aggression towards the bobo doll compared to girls even though exposed to the same behaviour. Girls appeared more influenced by the negative comments made by the adult in the video. Hence Bandura concluded that children learn by observing models in their environment and in conjunction with other mediating cognitive factors.leads to imitation of behaviour.

It has been used to explain gender development, and the acquisition of gender appropriate behaviours.

Social Learning theory uses both experimental and non experimental methods of research. Therefore is able to gain both quantitative and qualitative data.

Social learning theory takes into action both environmental factors and cognitive process therefore it is less reductionist than radical behaviourism. However it ignores the impact of biological factors therefore it doesn't have a truly holistic explanation of behaviour in psychology. Social learning theory does not fully explain individual differences has what is motivation for one individual might not be for another person. SLT doesn't account for all behaviours ( How does a person become a criminal when he or she has not observed any criminal behaviour.