Unit 2 - Bandura's Social Learning Theory Flashcards
What is Bandura’s theory called?
Social learning theory
What did Bandura theorise?
Believed behaviour is shaped through imitation and role models
We learn new behaviours by observing others
Social aspect to learning, that children learn by watching others, their role models who they look up to
When children see that actions are rewarded or punished it influences their behaviour
Describe Bandura’s bobo doll experiment
Had 3 groups:
- 1 with role models playing nicely with a bobo doll
-1 one group showing no role model
- 1 with role models being aggressive with the bobo doll
Children were then placed in a room with a bobo doll
Found that the children who observed the aggressive behaviours from their role models imitated that and were aggressive with the bobo doll
What theory is Bandura’s social learning theory similar to?
Similar to Bowlby and Vygotsky as they all emphasise the critical role of social interactions and relationships in shaping development
Similar to Bronfenbrenner as they both highlight how the broader environment impacts individual growth
How does Bandura’s social learning theory link to educational practice?
Children are more likely to show an interest in learning something when they see an adult doing it
Adults use their theory when teaching skills, demonstrate a skill and then encourage a child to have a go themselves
Adults are seen as “role models” and so are expected to show appropriate behaviours
What are some criticisms of Bandura’s theory?
Does not focus on child as an independent learner
Children only learn from things they notice others doing
What is a behaviourist approach?
We learn by external stimuli
What type of approach does Bandura take?
behaviourist approach
