Bandura’s observational model of learning

Social learning Theory

Jordan Palmer

"Learning would be exceedingly laborious, not to mention hazardous, if people had to rely solely on the effects of their own actions to inform them what to do. Fortunately, most human behavior is learned observationally through modeling: from observing others one forms an idea of how new behaviors are performed, and on later occasions this coded information serves as a guide for action."

-Albert Bandura, Social Learning Theory, 1977

What is the Social Learning Theory?

• Bandura’s theory suggests that you are unable to learn from just direct reinforcement

• He believed that people can learn new information and behaviours by watching other people.

• Observational learning (or modelling)

BASICALLY PEOPLE CAN LEARN THROUGH OBSERVATION

Example

• The children in Bandura’s studies observed an adult acting violently toward a Bobo doll. When the children were later allowed to play in a room with the Bobo doll, they began to imitate the aggressive actions they had previously observed.

Observational Learning

Attention(focus on skill)

Retention (mental picture of Skill)

Motor Reproduction(Copy and complete skill)

Motivation(drive and desire to

complete skill)

Conditions needed for Observational Learning:

• ATTENTION:

o You need to be paying attention and not get distracted when observing the model.

A coach can aid this by pointing out two or three particular cues to focus on and by making sure the skill being observed can be clearly seen. The demonstration must be clear and accurate!

• RETENTION:

o Important to remember what it was that you observed, often people create a mental picture for future reference.

The skill can be repeated more than once so learners have a clear image in their head. Should not overload players with verbal information

• REPRODUCTION:

o Perform the behaviour or skill that you observed, need to have the confidence and physical ability to be able to do it.

The skill must be copied either straight after being observed or after a practice session so that the skill is still clear in your mind

• MOTIVATION:

o You need to have the drive and the desire to imitate the behaviour that you earlier observed

A coach should ensure successful completion of the skill is rewarded for further motivation. Once it has been successfully completed once the player will want to do it again and again.