Learning by Watching: Unlocking the Power of Social Learning Theory

According to Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory (SLT), published in the ’60s, people pick up new habits, perspectives, and values only by seeing others around them. SLT emphasises the function of modelling, observation, and imitation, in contrast to traditional learning theories that place an emphasis on direct reinforcement. This theory unites behavioural and cognitive approaches by recognising the impact of both internal mental states and environmental factors on learning.

Fundamental Elements

• Observation and Modeling

People pick up new skills by seeing the acts of others and the results those actions bring about.
Models can be parents, teachers, peers, or even media figures.

• Attention

Paying close attention to the model’s actions is crucial for learning. The model’s likeness, competence, or beauty are some of the factors that might impact attention.

• Retention

Students need to commit the observed behaviour to memory to imitate it in the future.

• Reproduction

The capacity to mimic the behaviour is essential.

• Motivation

People are more inclined to mimic a behaviour if they believe it will lead to a favourable result or if they observe the behaviour model receiving praise for it.

• Reinforcement

Vicarious reinforcement, in which one sees another rewarded, can motivate imitation even when direct reinforcement isn’t required.

Examples

• Children Learning Aggression (Bobo Doll Experiment)

Example: In Bandura’s  Bobo doll experiment, kids watched as an adult violently acted towards a toy doll.

Results: This showed that the kids were more inclined to act aggressively themselves if they observed an adult getting a reward for it. On the other hand, hostile behaviour was reduced in those who witnessed the adult being reprimanded.

• Learning via Media

Consider an adolescent who follows their favourite social media influencer and sees them advocating for better diet and fitness habits.

Result: The adolescent may follow the influencer’s lead because they are impressed by their success and fame.

• Workplace Behaviour

A new hire could watch how their coworkers deal with pressure or interact with upper management.

Results: People are more inclined to mimic the actions of others if they observe that those people can handle stress well or are praised for specific actions.

• Academic Achievement

Consider a student who watches their elder brother get excellent scores and praise for all their hard work in the classroom.

Result: the younger sibling may start studying as hard as their older brother or sister since they see similar rewards in the future.

• Social Norms and Peer Pressure

When teenagers are at social events, they can see their friends drinking or smoking.

Result: They might replicate these actions to fit in with their peers, mainly if doing so brings them praise from their peers.

Applications

• Education

Instructors can showcase their problem-solving and social-skill abilities through modelling. For example, they might demonstrate polite communication when arguing.

• Parenting

Children look up to their parents the most. Observation is the primary means by which children acquire social norms, habits, and values.

• Marketing and Advertising

Celebrities or influencers from a brand’s circle may pose for promotional photos. Consumers want to emulate their actions because they think it will have the same positive impact.

• Therapy and Behaviour Modification

Techniques such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which incorporates SLT, assist individuals in recognising and embracing more beneficial ways of coping.

• Workplace Training

According to mentorship programs, employees learn most by watching and mimicking more seasoned coworkers.

A Critical Review

• Underestimates Biological Factors

SLT may minimise genetics and intrinsic behaviours.

• Environmental Overemphasis

Some worry it will place too much weight on outside factors and fail to account for people’s unique characteristics.

• Ethical Concerns

There is concern that exposing youngsters to aggressive behaviour in experiments like Bandura’s might encourage them to act aggressively.

Conclusion

According to social learning theory, seeing and imitating others significantly impacts people’s actions. People constantly absorb new information from their environments, whether it is in the classroom, on the job, or through the media. Educators, parents, and organisations may use this knowledge to encourage and discourage harmful habits.