Observational And Social Learning Theory Essay - 899 Words

Critical Thinking Activity #1: Observational/Social Learning Theory The purpose of this paper is to discuss the validity of the Observational/Social Learning Theory. I will investigate what the observational/social learning theory is and its use in an everyday classroom environment. I will also relate this learning theory to any relevant Saint Leo core values. What is the observational/social learning theory? The observational learning theory, sometimes called the social learning theory, states that an individual can learn by observing another person’s (i.e. model) behavior or actions. â€Å"An observer’s behavior can be affected by the positive or negative consequences–called vicarious reinforcement or vicarious punishment– of a model’s behavior† (Funderstanding.com, 2011). In order for observational learning to occur, four process must take place: attention, retention, production and motivation. The observer must pay attention to the model ’s behavior (attention); retain the behavior in memory (retention); be able to produce the behavior them self (production); and have a reason to want to copy the model’s behavior (motivation). The evidence of the validity of the observational/social learning theory can be found in the research of Albert Bandura. Albert Bandura conducted a series of experiments known as the â€Å"Bobo doll† studies. In these experiments, he was able to show that children’s behavior was changed by watching how others acted toward the bobo doll. After watching aShow MoreRelatedBehaviorism Theory And Social Cognitive Theory1082 Words   |  5 PagesLearning perspective also known as behavioral perspective is a theory that is apprehensive with how a person’s behavior changes because of their environment and experiences. The learning perspective has two theories; behaviorism and social-cognitive learning theory. Furthermore, behaviorists do not invoke the mind to explain behavior; they prefer to stick to what they can observe and measure directly: acts and events that happen in the environment (Carole Wade, 2008). In this essay the followingRead MoreAlbert Bandura s Social Learning Theory1340 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory is a theory that includes development theories in order to understand how children learn. Bandura’s theory is based on how people can learn by observing others, how internal mental states influence people, and how learning something does not change one’s behavior every time. Bandura was able to find out that people learn by three observational models. 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Th e Social Cognitive Theory is appliedRead MoreLearning Experience Paper : Smoking Cessation Essay1185 Words   |  5 Pages Learning Experience Paper: Smoking Cessation Throughout one’s lifetime, an individual undergoes a magnitude of various learning experiences, all of which serve as a shaping agent, consequently forming personality traits that are unique to each human being. Examining this fact further, what does learning mean, precisely? Namely, the definition of learning is the resulting change in behavior or knowledge that occurs through experienceRead MoreChild Development : Play And Play885 Words   |  4 PagesChild Development Children come into the classroom with different experiences and personalities so they exhibit a variety of ways to engage in play. Some children engage in observational play and learning while others engage in social play. Children engage in different types of play that are inter-connected. 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Bandura created his theory using the findings and observations of other researches and psychologistsRead MoreBanduras Social Cognitive Theory1167 Words   |  5 PagesBandura’s Social-Cognitive Theory The social-cognitive theory proposed by Albert Bandura (1925- ) has become the most influential theory of learning and development. It considers that people learn from one another, including such concepts as observational learning, imitation, and modeling. This theory explains human behavior in terms of continuous reciprocal interaction between cognitive, behavioral, and environmental influences. The four-step pattern of observational learning consists of: (1)Read MoreLearning Personality Theories1154 Words   |  5 PagesLearning Personality Theories PSY/405 August 8, 2011 Linda O Connor Learning Personality Theories Psychologists have attempted to explain personality with the development of various personality theories. Each theory varies in regard to explanations and views. Each theory of learning personality provides explanations, ideology, and dimensions. Learning personality theories focus mainly on interactions individuals have with his or her environment. Each theory believes that individuals react