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Albert Bandura: Social / Observational Learning

Albert Bandura developed social learning theory and the concept of self-efficacy. His theory proposed that people learn through observing others, either live or through media. He identified four steps to observational learning: attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation. Bandura also found that people's beliefs about their capabilities, which he called self-efficacy, influenced how they behaved. High self-efficacy was associated with viewing challenges as tasks to be mastered rather than avoided. Bandura's theory helped explain human behavior in many domains and is widely used today.

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Hasfiyah Assan
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29 views22 pages

Albert Bandura: Social / Observational Learning

Albert Bandura developed social learning theory and the concept of self-efficacy. His theory proposed that people learn through observing others, either live or through media. He identified four steps to observational learning: attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation. Bandura also found that people's beliefs about their capabilities, which he called self-efficacy, influenced how they behaved. High self-efficacy was associated with viewing challenges as tasks to be mastered rather than avoided. Bandura's theory helped explain human behavior in many domains and is widely used today.

Uploaded by

Hasfiyah Assan
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Albert Bandura: Social / Observational Learning

Basic Premise

We learn behavior through observation Vicarious reinforcement: Learn through observing consequences of behaviors of others

Modeling

Observe behavior of others and repeat the behavior Bobo doll studies (1963) Disinhibition: Weakening of inhibition through exposure to a model

Factors Influencing Modeling: Impact Tendency to Imitate

Characteristics of the models: similarity, age, sex, status, prestige, simple vs. complex behavior Characteristics of observers: Low selfconfidence, low self-esteem, reinforcement for imitation Reward consequences of behavior: Directly witnessing associated rewards

The Observational Learning Process: 4 Steps

Attentional processes Retention processes Production processes Incentive and motivational processes

Step 1: Attentional Processes

Developing cognitive processes to pay attention to a model- more developed processes allow for better attention Must observe the model accurately enough to imitate behavior

Step 2: Retention Processes

To later imitate behavior, must remember aspects of the behavior Retain information in 2 ways:
Imaginal internal representation: Visual image Ex: Forming a mental picture Verbal system: Verbal description of behavior Ex: Silently rehearsing steps in behavior

Step 3: Production Processes

Taking imaginal and verbal representations and translating into overt behavior- practice behaviors Receive feedback on accuracy of behavior- how well have you imitated the modeled behavior? Important in mastering difficult skills
Ex: Driving a car

Step 4: Incentive and Motivational Processes

With incentives, observation more quickly becomes action, pay more attention, retain more information Incentive to learn influenced by anticipated reinforcements

Aspects of the Self: Selfreinforcement and Selfefficacy

Self-reinforcement: Rewards or punishments given to oneself for reaching, exceeding or falling short of personal expectations
Ex: Pride, shame, guilt

Self-efficacy: Belief in ability to cope with life


Meeting standards: Enhances self-efficacy Failure to meet standards: Reduces self-efficacy

Self-Efficacy

High self-efficacy
Believe can deal effectively with life events Confident in abilities Expect to overcome obstacles effectively

Low self-efficacy
Feel unable to exercise control over life Low confidence, believe all efforts are futile

Sources of Information in Determining Self-efficacy

Performance attainment
Most influential Role of feedback More we achieve, more we believe we can achieve Leads to feelings of competency and control

Sources of Information in Determining Self-efficacy

Vicarious experience
Seeing others perform successfully If they can, I can too

Verbal persuasion
Verbal reminders of abilities

Physiological and emotional arousal


Related to perceived ability to cope Calm, composed feelings: Higher self-efficacy Nervous, agitated feelings: Lower self-efficacy

Developmental Stages of Modeling and Self-efficacy

Childhood
Infancy: Direct modeling immediately following observation, develop selfefficacy with control over environment By age 2: Developed attentional, retention and production processes to model behavior some time after observation, not immediately

Developmental Stages of Modeling and Self-efficacy

Adolescence
Involves coping with new demands Success depends on level of self-efficacy established during childhood

Developmental Stages of Modeling and Self-efficacy

Adulthood: 2 Periods
Young adulthood:
Adjustments: Career, marriage, parenthood High self-efficacy to adjust successfully

Middle adulthood:
Adjustment: Reevaluate career, family life Need to find opportunities to continue to enhance self-efficacy

Developmental Stages of Modeling and Self-efficacy

Old age:
Decline in mental/physical function, retirement Requires reappraisal of abilities Belief in ability to perform a task is key throughout the lifespan

Application of Social Learning Theory: Behavior Modification

Fears and phobias


Guided participation: Observe and imitate Covert modeling: Imaginal

Anxiety
Fear of medical treatment Test anxiety

Assessment of Banduras Theory: Self-efficacy

Age and gender differences Physical appearance Academic performance Career choice and job performance Physical health Mental health Coping with stress

Assessment of Banduras Theory: Television and Aggressive Behaviors

Relationship between watching violence and imitating violence

Assessment of Banduras Theory

Strengths:
Focus on observable behavior- research support Practical application to real-world problems Large-scale changes

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