Ever wondered why you might copy a celebrity's style or... Show more
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
6
0
Amala Seth
27/11/2025
Psychology
Social Learning theory
557
•
27 Nov 2025
•
Exploring Bandura's Social Learning Theory and the Bobo Doll Experiment
Amala Seth
@amala_seth
1 / 4
Social Learning Theory Basics
Social Learning Theory (SLT) was developed by Albert Bandura, who realised that we don't just learn from our own experiences - we're constantly learning by watching others. This theory suggests that people learn through observation and imitation of role models around them.
The key concept here is vicarious reinforcement. This means you learn by watching someone else get rewarded or punished for their behaviour. If you see someone getting praised for something, you're more likely to copy that behaviour because you expect a similar reward.
Role models are crucial in SLT. They don't have to be physically present - think about influencers you follow online. Effective role models often share similar characteristics to you (age, interests), have high status, are attractive or charismatic, or are people close to you like parents or older siblings.
Key Point: Unlike behaviourism, SLT recognises that mental processes matter when learning new behaviours.
The Four Mediational Processes
For successful learning through observation, four mediational processes must occur. Think of these as the mental steps your brain goes through when copying behaviour.
Attention comes first - you need to actually notice the behaviour. Retention follows - you must remember what you observed. Motor reproduction means being physically able to copy the behaviour. Finally, motivation determines whether you'll actually perform the behaviour, usually based on expected rewards or punishments.
These processes work together like a chain: Attention → Retention → Motor Reproduction → Motivation. If any link breaks, learning won't lead to imitation.
The famous Bobo doll study by Bandura (1961) demonstrated this perfectly. Children who watched adults behaving aggressively towards a large inflatable doll later copied this aggressive behaviour when left alone with the same toy.
Remember: All four mediational processes must be present for successful social learning to occur.
Evaluating Social Learning Theory
SLT has some brilliant strengths that make it superior to earlier learning theories. Most importantly, it recognises that cognitive factors play a crucial role in learning. Classical and operant conditioning alone can't explain how humans learn complex behaviours.
Think about it - learning would be incredibly slow and dangerous if we only learned from our own mistakes. Bandura pointed out that we rely on observing others to make judgements about appropriate behaviour. This makes SLT a much more comprehensive explanation of human learning.
However, there are some significant criticisms. SLT largely ignores biological factors like hormones (such as testosterone affecting aggression). Recent research suggests mirror neurons might explain our ability to empathise and imitate, indicating that biology plays a bigger role than Bandura originally thought.
Another major criticism focuses on the artificial laboratory settings used in research. Most studies observed young children in labs, which could lead to demand characteristics and unrealistic behaviour.
Critical Thinking: Consider how biological and environmental factors might work together in social learning.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Exploring Bandura's Social Learning Theory and the Bobo Doll Experiment
Amala Seth
@amala_seth
Ever wondered why you might copy a celebrity's style or pick up habits from your mates? Social Learning Theory explains how we learn by watching and copying others, rather than just through direct experience. It's a brilliant way to understand... Show more
Social Learning Theory Basics
Social Learning Theory (SLT) was developed by Albert Bandura, who realised that we don't just learn from our own experiences - we're constantly learning by watching others. This theory suggests that people learn through observation and imitation of role models around them.
The key concept here is vicarious reinforcement. This means you learn by watching someone else get rewarded or punished for their behaviour. If you see someone getting praised for something, you're more likely to copy that behaviour because you expect a similar reward.
Role models are crucial in SLT. They don't have to be physically present - think about influencers you follow online. Effective role models often share similar characteristics to you (age, interests), have high status, are attractive or charismatic, or are people close to you like parents or older siblings.
Key Point: Unlike behaviourism, SLT recognises that mental processes matter when learning new behaviours.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Four Mediational Processes
For successful learning through observation, four mediational processes must occur. Think of these as the mental steps your brain goes through when copying behaviour.
Attention comes first - you need to actually notice the behaviour. Retention follows - you must remember what you observed. Motor reproduction means being physically able to copy the behaviour. Finally, motivation determines whether you'll actually perform the behaviour, usually based on expected rewards or punishments.
These processes work together like a chain: Attention → Retention → Motor Reproduction → Motivation. If any link breaks, learning won't lead to imitation.
The famous Bobo doll study by Bandura (1961) demonstrated this perfectly. Children who watched adults behaving aggressively towards a large inflatable doll later copied this aggressive behaviour when left alone with the same toy.
Remember: All four mediational processes must be present for successful social learning to occur.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Evaluating Social Learning Theory
SLT has some brilliant strengths that make it superior to earlier learning theories. Most importantly, it recognises that cognitive factors play a crucial role in learning. Classical and operant conditioning alone can't explain how humans learn complex behaviours.
Think about it - learning would be incredibly slow and dangerous if we only learned from our own mistakes. Bandura pointed out that we rely on observing others to make judgements about appropriate behaviour. This makes SLT a much more comprehensive explanation of human learning.
However, there are some significant criticisms. SLT largely ignores biological factors like hormones (such as testosterone affecting aggression). Recent research suggests mirror neurons might explain our ability to empathise and imitate, indicating that biology plays a bigger role than Bandura originally thought.
Another major criticism focuses on the artificial laboratory settings used in research. Most studies observed young children in labs, which could lead to demand characteristics and unrealistic behaviour.
Critical Thinking: Consider how biological and environmental factors might work together in social learning.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
6
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Similar content
4.3 Operant Conditioning
Study notes covering AP Psych curriculum
AP Psychology10th
Psychological Approaches Overview
Explore the key psychological approaches including behaviorism, cognitive psychology, and psychodynamic theories. This summary covers foundational concepts such as conditioned responses, operant conditioning, and Freud's theories, providing a comprehensive evaluation of each approach's contributions and limitations. Ideal for students seeking to understand the diverse methodologies in psychology.
Psychology12
Evaluating Behavioral Approach
Explore the strengths and weaknesses of the behavioral approach in psychology, including its environmental determinism, use of animal research, scientific methods, and real-life applications in behavior therapy. This summary highlights key concepts such as operant conditioning and the implications for the justice system and treatment of phobias.
Psychology12
Attachment Learning Theories
Explore the key concepts of attachment through classical and operant conditioning. This summary covers Dollard and Miller's 'cupboard love' theory, the role of primary and secondary drives, and evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of learning theory in explaining attachment. Ideal for psychology students studying attachment theory.
Psychology12
Learning Theory of Attachment
Explore the Learning Theory of attachment, which explains how caregiver-infant interactions shape emotional bonds. This summary covers classical and operant conditioning, the role of primary drives, and critiques from animal and human research. Ideal for psychology students studying attachment theory.
Psychology12
Systematic Desensitisation Explained
Explore the principles and effectiveness of Systematic Desensitisation (SD) in treating phobias. This summary covers key concepts such as counter conditioning, the fear hierarchy, and the evaluation of SD's success rates and ethical considerations. Ideal for students studying behavior therapy and cognitive-behavioral approaches.
Psychology12
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user