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Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
1l the quest for political stability: germany, 1871-1991
The cold war
Inter-war germany
Medieval period: 1066 -1509
2d religious conflict and the church in england, c1529-c1570
2o democracy and nazism: germany, 1918-1945
1f industrialisation and the people: britain, c1783-1885
1c the tudors: england, 1485-1603
2m wars and welfare: britain in transition, 1906-1957
World war two & the holocaust
2n revolution and dictatorship: russia, 1917-1953
2s the making of modern britain, 1951-2007
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526
•
3 Dec 2025
•
Ffion
@ffion_lm
Social learning theory, developed by Bandura in 1977, revolutionised how... Show more
Ever wondered why you might pick up your mate's accent or copy a celebrity's style? Social learning theory explains exactly this phenomenon. Unlike traditional behaviourist theories that focus only on direct rewards and punishments, Bandura proposed we learn through observation and vicarious reinforcement - basically watching what happens to others when they behave in certain ways.
The theory considers both environmental factors (what's happening around us) and cognitive factors (our thoughts and mental processes). This makes it less deterministic than pure behaviourism because it suggests we have some free will in choosing which behaviours to copy.
Bandura's famous Bobo doll study from 1961 provides the main evidence. He divided 72 children into three groups: one watched an adult being aggressive to an inflatable doll, another saw non-aggressive play, and a control group saw nothing. The results were striking - children who witnessed aggression were much more likely to behave aggressively themselves.
For behaviour to be copied, Bandura identified four key processes: attention (noticing the behaviour), retention (remembering it), motor reproduction (being physically able to copy it), and motivation (wanting to do it). We're more likely to imitate role models who share our characteristics or possess desirable traits like fame or attractiveness.
Quick Tip: Think about influencers on social media - social learning theory explains why they're so effective at changing behaviour and trends!
Social learning theory's biggest strength is recognising that cognitive factors matter in learning. Traditional conditioning theories couldn't fully explain human behaviour because they ignored our ability to think, store information, and make judgements about when certain actions are appropriate.
However, the theory has significant limitations. It largely ignores biological factors that influence behaviour. For instance, boys often show more aggressive behaviour than girls, which could be explained by testosterone differences rather than just social learning. This suggests Bandura may have underestimated biological influences.
Ethical concerns also limit research in this area. Exposing children to aggressive behaviour (knowing they might copy it) raises serious questions about protecting participants from harm. Modern ethics committees wouldn't approve studies like the original Bobo doll experiment.
The theory's ecological validity is questionable too. Most supporting evidence comes from controlled lab experiments where children were aggressive towards a doll that obviously couldn't feel pain. Their behaviour might be completely different towards real people in real-world situations.
Despite these limitations, social learning theory has brilliant practical applications. It explains media influence on behaviour, cultural differences in aggression, and why some communities (like the Amish) remain non-violent - if aggressive behaviour isn't displayed, it can't be imitated.
Exam Tip: Remember to balance strengths and limitations in evaluation questions - social learning theory is useful but not complete on its own!
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.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Quotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
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
Ffion
@ffion_lm
Social learning theory, developed by Bandura in 1977, revolutionised how psychologists understand human behaviour by suggesting we learn not just through direct experience, but by watching and copying others. This theory bridges the gap between behaviourist approaches and cognitive psychology,... Show more
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Ever wondered why you might pick up your mate's accent or copy a celebrity's style? Social learning theory explains exactly this phenomenon. Unlike traditional behaviourist theories that focus only on direct rewards and punishments, Bandura proposed we learn through observation and vicarious reinforcement - basically watching what happens to others when they behave in certain ways.
The theory considers both environmental factors (what's happening around us) and cognitive factors (our thoughts and mental processes). This makes it less deterministic than pure behaviourism because it suggests we have some free will in choosing which behaviours to copy.
Bandura's famous Bobo doll study from 1961 provides the main evidence. He divided 72 children into three groups: one watched an adult being aggressive to an inflatable doll, another saw non-aggressive play, and a control group saw nothing. The results were striking - children who witnessed aggression were much more likely to behave aggressively themselves.
For behaviour to be copied, Bandura identified four key processes: attention (noticing the behaviour), retention (remembering it), motor reproduction (being physically able to copy it), and motivation (wanting to do it). We're more likely to imitate role models who share our characteristics or possess desirable traits like fame or attractiveness.
Quick Tip: Think about influencers on social media - social learning theory explains why they're so effective at changing behaviour and trends!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Social learning theory's biggest strength is recognising that cognitive factors matter in learning. Traditional conditioning theories couldn't fully explain human behaviour because they ignored our ability to think, store information, and make judgements about when certain actions are appropriate.
However, the theory has significant limitations. It largely ignores biological factors that influence behaviour. For instance, boys often show more aggressive behaviour than girls, which could be explained by testosterone differences rather than just social learning. This suggests Bandura may have underestimated biological influences.
Ethical concerns also limit research in this area. Exposing children to aggressive behaviour (knowing they might copy it) raises serious questions about protecting participants from harm. Modern ethics committees wouldn't approve studies like the original Bobo doll experiment.
The theory's ecological validity is questionable too. Most supporting evidence comes from controlled lab experiments where children were aggressive towards a doll that obviously couldn't feel pain. Their behaviour might be completely different towards real people in real-world situations.
Despite these limitations, social learning theory has brilliant practical applications. It explains media influence on behaviour, cultural differences in aggression, and why some communities (like the Amish) remain non-violent - if aggressive behaviour isn't displayed, it can't be imitated.
Exam Tip: Remember to balance strengths and limitations in evaluation questions - social learning theory is useful but not complete on its own!
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.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Explore the key concepts of Social Learning Theory, including Bandura's principles of modeling, observational learning, and the role of mediational processes. This summary highlights the importance of cognitive factors, cultural influences, and critiques of traditional behaviorist approaches. Ideal for psychology students studying the learning approach.
PsychologyExplore 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.
PsychologyStudy notes covering AP Psych curriculum
AP PsychologyExplore the key concepts of Bandura's Social Learning Theory, including observational learning, modeling, and the Bobo doll study. This summary highlights the strengths and criticisms of the theory, emphasizing the role of cognitive factors and vicarious reinforcement in learning behaviors. Ideal for students studying psychology and behavioral theories.
PsychologyExplore the key concepts of Social Learning Theory, including Bandura's Bobo Doll experiment, vicarious reinforcement, and the role of cognitive processes in observational learning. This summary highlights the strengths and limitations of the theory, making it essential for understanding human behavior in a social context. Ideal for psychology students preparing for exams.
PsychologyExplore 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.
PsychologyQuotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
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
Sociology