What is social learning theory and what are its principles?

The theory of social learning is part of the theories of human developmentand focuses onhow the individual comes through the environmentthat corresponds to him. The way he studies it, analyzes it and imitates it by involving him in his development as a person.

With this theory, the idea ofhow we obtain knowledge through observation and interaction with others and have models or idols is built, even without the need to have direct experience with it.

In the following article, we will talk aboutwhat this theory of social learning consists of, its characteristics and the principles of the theory.

What is social learning theory?

Generally speaking, Bandura’s theory isone of the mainstreams that focus on learning theories. This is inclined by the sphere and social influence.

Thus, Bandura’s theory of learningargues external and internal components, which is somewhat opposed to what is proposed by B F Skinner and Sigmund Freud in their behavioral theories.

Note: Bases their behavioral development on beingsomething learned and acquired, not innate. The argument of this theory focuses then, on the recognition of the important influence of parentsand how their relationships can form thepersonalitybased on what they perceive in their environment.

What are the principles of social learning theory?

These principles are alsoconsidered as the steps to follow, so that social learning can be developed in the individual. They will be described below:

1. Attention

The attention process is Issued by the observerto relevant actions that happen in the environment. These subjects learn through observation and the attention that is given, it is the the Main step to determine the possible modelsand what aspects can be followed.

2. Retention

Bandura defines this process as the Behavioral Observation, , where it is retained in the form of images when stimuli are repeatedly exposed, allowing durable and retrievable images to then be reproduced.

3. Playback

It is the It is the stage where through improvement in self-corrective adjustments , the behavior that has been learned through observation is repeated. It is based onFeedback of an informative nature and and consists, in general terms, of applying and transforming what has been learned into behaviors.

4. Motivation

The repetition occurs with greater momentum, when the individual considers it important. Expectations are then generated and it is essential forconduct to develop correctly .

You should know: It has been shown that it is necessary for the individual to be motivated to imitate what has been learned.

What are the characteristics of social learning theory?

There are certain characteristics, which structure what this theory of social learning is tag. They will be mentioned and described below, to better understand thanks to them, Bandura’s visualization and the objectives he had with his development:

1. It is known as vicarious learning

It is understood as vicarious learning due to its nature, which is given by obtaining knowledge and behavior through imitation and/or admiration.

To highlight: It is like an appropriation of certain behaviors that are that are not typical of the subject, but that are making space in the development of the individual.

2. It is based on learning by observing and imitating the environment

As we previously mentioned, this type of learning is strictly linked to the Theprinciple of observation and imitation of the environment, which is typical of Sociocultural Learning .

In fact, Bandura considered this type of learning as typical of experiences conditioned by a mold that assists the subject in question.

3. Thought processes are taken into account

In the work of the of the Andean University of Cusco entitled ” “Albert Bandura’s Theory of Social Learning” (1)This theory hassocial foundations in thought, used for processing the observation of behaviors, influencing them by theemotionsobtained and analyzing with consciousness perception. The

In this sense, there is a specific stage in the development of the individual where a complex thought process is presented that addresses reality and highlights the possibility of:

• Rules Understanding
• Personalization of guilt
• Cooperation as exchange between equals
• Perception of the lie
• Broadening of perspectives

4. Focuses on 3 learning models

This learning theory is oriented to focus on the following models for its correct development:

• A live one, where a a real person is involved acting in a specific way.
• One of verbal instruction, which involves the description and explanation of a behavior.
• A symbolic one through fictional characters .

5. Mental state affects learning

Mental health greatly influences the interaction capacity of individuals and therefore their learning achievements.

You should know: There is a study entitled “Relationship of academic performance with “Relation of academic performance with mental health in young university students” (2) where they establish a relationship between the importance of stability with the Ability of academic results.

In fact, there is evidence of a negative correlation between stateand performance. High academic averages usually develop in an educational world where emotional adjustment weighs heavily.

6. Learning is linked to conditioning and reinforcement processes

The and behavioral development

Note: The learning processes are the are the acquisition of knowledge , conditioning and applied reinforcement are tools for the stimulation that leads to the repetition of certain behaviors.

7. It has currently generated new studies

This theoretical principle has influenced the study and observation of its application and functionality tag. A clear example is a developed investigation, where social learning is conceptualized and what are its limitations today. This is given because human beings are constantly changing beings. (3)

To highlight: The use of these models as the social aspects of a learning situation is related and can provide a Referential Framework to solve problemsin an organized way.

What is the goal of the bobo doll experiment?

At the National Autonomous University of Mexico they they developed a work entitled ” “Albert Bandura’s social learning: theoretical framework” (4) and in it they explained how in 1965 Bandura carried out an experiment to demonstrate how behaviors, which in this case would be aggressive, can beelearned

The experiment showed a series of children a video of a woman repeatedly hitting a dolland insulting it. Subsequently, the children were allowed the opportunity to be in a room with a doll as well, where they clearlybegan to imitate the visualized behaviorby hitting and insulting the doll.a

Note: This experiment aimed to demonstrate Bandura’s theory, where human behaviors are learned through imitation and repetition , and not through the intervention of inherited genetic factors.

Key Findings

• Social learning theory is one of the main currents that Focus on Learning Theories.
• This theory focuses on recognizing the important influence of parents and how their relationships can shape personality.
• Social learning theory is also known as vicarious learning, due to obtaining knowledge and behavior through imitation and/or admiration.
• This type of learning is considered typical of experiences conditioned by a model that assists the subject in question.
• Social learning theory has influenced the study and observation of its application and functionality, generating new studies.