Social Learning Theory Overview

Social Learning/Cognitive Theory

• Social learning theory focuses on how individuals actively interpret, explain, cope with, and reason about their world, including emotions.
• It's distinct from behaviorism because it acknowledges the role of cognition, insight, and motivation in learning.
• Kohler's chimpanzee experiments challenged the idea that behavior was solely determined by environmental factors.
• Social learning theory recognizes that behaviorism doesn't fully account for the complexities of human learning and behavior.

Shortcomings of Behaviorism

• Social learning theory critique's behaviorism for neglecting thinking, motivation, and emotion.
• It points out that behaviorist theories overly rely on animal research.
• The theories do not consider the social aspects of learning; organisms are treated as passively responding to stimuli.

Key Social Learning Theories

• Dollard and Miller's theory: Extends behaviorism by focusing on imitation and learned associations, but consequences play a key role.
• Rotter's theory: Emphasizes the concept of "locus of control."
• Bandura's theory: Proposes reciprocal determinism, wherein behavioral, personal, and environmental factors interact dynamically to shape behavior.

Self-Efficacy

• Self-efficacy: Is a belief in one's ability to accomplish specific tasks or succeed in specific situations—personal competence.
• Self-efficacy is distinct from self-esteem or locus of control, which are broader concepts.
• Influences on self-efficacy include past performance, vicarious experiences (observing others), verbal persuasion (encouragement or discouragement), and physiological cues (stress, tension).

Modelling and Imitation

• Modeling is a key aspect of social learning.
• People learn through observing and imitating others' behavior.
• The Bobo doll experiment demonstrated how observing aggressive models can lead to increased aggressive behavior in children, especially if the model is reinforced.
• The effectiveness of modelling is influenced by characteristics like similarities between the observer and the model.

Reciprocal Determinism

• Reciprocal determinism: Suggests that behavior, personal factors (beliefs, thoughts, feelings), and environmental factors interact and influence each other.
• It's a dynamic interaction, not simply the environment shaping behavior, but a triadic relationship.

The Self-System

• The self-system encompasses various influences leading to particular characteristics.
• This includes multiple factors and what makes people unique, or their personality.

Other Social Learning Theorists

• Julian Rotter's contributions include the concept of expectancy, recognizing that beliefs about outcomes influence actions.
• Rotter's theory suggests that behavior potential, reinforcement values, and locus of control influence actions.

Self-Efficacy: Lifespan View

• Self-efficacy changes throughout life.
• Early development relies on observation and trial and error.
• Later, individuals become more aware of individual, social, and environmental factors, including peers and siblings, which can shape self-efficacy.

Bandura (SCT) Evaluation

• Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) has a wide range of aspects, though it can sometimes be unclear how everything connects.
• SCT has limitations in its focus on emotions and biological factors.
• Yet SCT provides a balanced alternative to other theories and is crucial to Behavior therapies.

Applications of Social Learning Theory

• Social learning theory is central to therapy, with practical applications in various therapeutic interventions, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
• Its understanding of aggression and criminality is pivotal in addressing social issues.
• The theory has been influential in advertising and commercial contexts.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy influenced by Bandura's social learning theory.
• The theory has shaped CBT approaches related to behavior modification.