Albert Bandura a development of the behaviourist approach

Albert Bandura- a development of the behaviourist approach.

Introduction What do the behaviourists explain behaviour? Albert Bandura agreed with the behaviourists that much behaviour if learned from experience. However his Social Learning Theory (SLT) proposed a different way in which people learn http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Nj. Tx. Qy_U 3 ac

Observation and Imitation • People learn through observation and imitation of others in a social context • SLT suggests that learning occurs directly through classical and operant conditioning, but also indirectly.

Vicarious Reinforcement • For indirect learning to take place an individual observes the behaviour of others. • The individual may imitate this behaviour but only if the behaviour is seen to be rewarded (reinforced) rather than punished. • The individual observes the behaviour, but more importantly observes the consequences.

The role of mediational processes • SLT is often described as a bridge between the traditional learning theory (behaviourists) and the cognitive approach because it focuses on how mental (cognitive ) factors are involved in learning • These mental factors mediate (i. e. intervene) in the learning process to determine whether a new response is required.

The role of mediational processes • Four mental or mediational processes were identified by Bandura; Attention Learning of behaviour Retention Motor reproduction Motivation Production of behaviour • Unlike traditional behaviourists learning and production does not have to occur together. Observed behaviour may be stored but the observer and reproduced later time.

Identification • People (especially children) are much more likely to imitate the behaviour with whom they identify, called role models. • This process is called modelling. • A person becomes a role model if they are seen to possess similar characteristics to the observe and , attractive or have a high status. • A role model doesn’t have to physically present, this has implications of the influences on media on behaviour. • http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=wb. TZvzx. RZGI

Evaluating SLT • Can we think of any strengths or weakness of this theory? • Using Page 109 fill in your worksheet. • Use PEE