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S
sabahamid
11/12/2025
Psychology
SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY
309
•
11 Dec 2025
•
Social Learning Theory Explained
S
sabahamid
@sabahamid_whbh
1 / 3
Key Features of Social Learning Theory
Social Learning Theory revolutionised how psychologists understand human behaviour by proving we don't just learn through direct experience. Bandura showed that we learn indirectly by watching others and noting what happens to them.
The concept of vicarious reinforcement is crucial here. When you see someone get rewarded for certain behaviour, you're more likely to copy it yourself. It's like learning the rules of the game by watching others play first.
Mediational processes are the mental steps that happen between seeing behaviour and copying it. These include attention (noticing the behaviour), retention (remembering it), motor reproduction (being physically able to do it), and motivation (actually wanting to do it). Without all four, imitation won't happen.
Identification occurs when we choose role models who are similar to us but have higher status. Think about how you might copy a popular student's style or a successful YouTuber's mannerisms.
Quick Tip: Remember the four mediational processes with "ARM-M" - Attention, Retention, Motor reproduction, Motivation!
Bandura's Research Evidence
Bandura's famous Bobo doll experiments provided solid evidence for Social Learning Theory. In his 1961 study, children watched adults either acting aggressively or non-aggressively towards an inflatable doll. When given their own chance with the doll, children who witnessed aggression copied those exact behaviours.
The 1963 follow-up study by Bandura and Walters proved vicarious reinforcement works in practice. Children who saw adults being rewarded for aggressive behaviour were most likely to imitate it, whilst those who saw punishment were less likely to copy.
These experiments demonstrated that modelling is a powerful learning mechanism. Children didn't need direct experience or personal consequences - they learned purely through observation and the mental processing of what they witnessed.
The research showed that imitation isn't random copying but involves cognitive evaluation of whether behaviour is worth reproducing based on observed outcomes.
Real-World Connection: This explains why violent video games and aggressive social media content concern psychologists - we naturally learn from what we observe!
Evaluation of Social Learning Theory
Social Learning Theory's biggest strength is recognising that cognitive factors matter in learning. Unlike simple conditioning theories, SLT acknowledges that humans actively process information and make decisions about when to perform certain behaviours. This makes it far more realistic than purely behaviourist approaches.
The theory has brilliant real-world applications. It explains how cultural norms spread, why children copy gender-specific behaviours, and how media influences our actions. This practical relevance makes SLT valuable for understanding everything from classroom behaviour to social media trends.
However, the theory relies heavily on laboratory evidence, which creates problems. Bandura's studies might have suffered from demand characteristics - children may have hit the Bobo doll simply because that's obviously what it's designed for, not because they learned aggression.
The artificial lab setting means we can't be certain the findings apply to real-life learning. Everyday social learning is much more complex and subtle than controlled experiments can capture.
Exam Focus: Be ready to evaluate both strengths and limitations (artificial research settings, demand characteristics).
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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
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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
Social Learning Theory Explained
S
sabahamid
@sabahamid_whbh
Ever wondered why you pick up habits from your mates or copy behaviours you see on social media? Albert Bandura's Social Learning Theory explains exactly how we learn by watching others, rather than just through direct experience. This theory bridges... Show more
Key Features of Social Learning Theory
Social Learning Theory revolutionised how psychologists understand human behaviour by proving we don't just learn through direct experience. Bandura showed that we learn indirectly by watching others and noting what happens to them.
The concept of vicarious reinforcement is crucial here. When you see someone get rewarded for certain behaviour, you're more likely to copy it yourself. It's like learning the rules of the game by watching others play first.
Mediational processes are the mental steps that happen between seeing behaviour and copying it. These include attention (noticing the behaviour), retention (remembering it), motor reproduction (being physically able to do it), and motivation (actually wanting to do it). Without all four, imitation won't happen.
Identification occurs when we choose role models who are similar to us but have higher status. Think about how you might copy a popular student's style or a successful YouTuber's mannerisms.
Quick Tip: Remember the four mediational processes with "ARM-M" - Attention, Retention, Motor reproduction, Motivation!
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
Bandura's Research Evidence
Bandura's famous Bobo doll experiments provided solid evidence for Social Learning Theory. In his 1961 study, children watched adults either acting aggressively or non-aggressively towards an inflatable doll. When given their own chance with the doll, children who witnessed aggression copied those exact behaviours.
The 1963 follow-up study by Bandura and Walters proved vicarious reinforcement works in practice. Children who saw adults being rewarded for aggressive behaviour were most likely to imitate it, whilst those who saw punishment were less likely to copy.
These experiments demonstrated that modelling is a powerful learning mechanism. Children didn't need direct experience or personal consequences - they learned purely through observation and the mental processing of what they witnessed.
The research showed that imitation isn't random copying but involves cognitive evaluation of whether behaviour is worth reproducing based on observed outcomes.
Real-World Connection: This explains why violent video games and aggressive social media content concern psychologists - we naturally learn from what we observe!
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
Evaluation of Social Learning Theory
Social Learning Theory's biggest strength is recognising that cognitive factors matter in learning. Unlike simple conditioning theories, SLT acknowledges that humans actively process information and make decisions about when to perform certain behaviours. This makes it far more realistic than purely behaviourist approaches.
The theory has brilliant real-world applications. It explains how cultural norms spread, why children copy gender-specific behaviours, and how media influences our actions. This practical relevance makes SLT valuable for understanding everything from classroom behaviour to social media trends.
However, the theory relies heavily on laboratory evidence, which creates problems. Bandura's studies might have suffered from demand characteristics - children may have hit the Bobo doll simply because that's obviously what it's designed for, not because they learned aggression.
The artificial lab setting means we can't be certain the findings apply to real-life learning. Everyday social learning is much more complex and subtle than controlled experiments can capture.
Exam Focus: Be ready to evaluate both strengths and limitations (artificial research settings, demand characteristics).
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.
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Most popular content: Observational Learning
Most popular content in Psychology
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
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