Analysis Of Albert Bandura's Social Learning Theory

The social learning theory proposed by Albert Bandura has become perhaps the most influential theory of learning and development. While rooted in many of the basic concepts of traditional learning theory, Bandura believed that direct reinforcement could not account for all types of learning. While the behavioral theories of learning suggested that all learning was the result of associations formed by conditioning, reinforcement, and punishment, Bandura 's social learning theory proposed that learning can also occur simply by observing the actions of others (Cherry, K.).

In 1961, Bandura conducted his most famous experiment, the Bobo doll study. In the experiment, he made a film in which a woman was shown beating up a Bobo doll and shouting

The attention of students can be increased by using models that are viewed as competent, prestigious and similar to themselves. Through purposeful use of rewards and punishments, the motivational aspects of observational learning may be supported. These consequences, further, should shape the behavior of students when they are provided either to the learner or to a model.

What basic assumptions/principles of this theory are relevant to instructional design?

Specific assumptions or principles that have direct relevance to instructional design include the following:

• The highest level of observational learning is achieved by first organizing and rehearsing the modeled behavior symbolically and then enacting it overtly. Coding modeled behavior into words, labels or images results in better retention than simply observing.

• Learning can occur without a change in behavior or learning may not necessarily be shown in the performance of the learner.

• Individuals are more likely to adopt a modeled behavior if it results in outcomes they value.

• Individuals are more likely to adopt a modeled behavior if the model is similar to the observer and has admired status and the behavior has functional

Another limitation, as critics have emphasized is that social learning does not explain how motivation or personality changes over time. While most psychology textbooks place Bandura’s theory with those of the behaviorists, Bandura himself has noted that he ‘...never really fit the behavioral orthodoxy.’ Even in his earliest work, Bandura argued that reducing behavior to a stimulus-response cycle was too simplistic. While his work used behavioral terminology such as 'conditioning ' and 'reinforcement, ' Bandura explained, ‘...I conceptualized these phenomena as operating through cognitive