Psych 208 The Foundations of Personality

1
Psych 208The Foundations of Personality

• Social Learning Theory
• Albert Bandura
• Reading Engler (1999),
• Ch 9, pp. 225 - 241

2
Social Learning Theory Orientation and Context

• Orientation
• NB Refer to Goals for Ch 9, pp. 225 Nos 1-9
  these are essential to know for the test
  examination.
• The context of Social Learning theory
• A development out of moderate behaviourism and
  the cognitive revolution
• A movement of the mid 1960s and early 1970s

3
Social Learning Theory The context of Social
Learning theory

• Break from Psychoanalysis Behaviourism
• Emphasis on
• Learning VS Inherent characteristics
• Social surroundings VS Internal dispositions
• Information processing VS Conflict
• Rational thought VS Irrational processes

4
Social Learning Theory Basic assumptions

• The central importance of cognition
• In learning, the mind of the individual is more
  important than external reinforcement.
• A person can learn without displaying a behaviour
  and then being rewarded for it.
• Behaviour is shaped by the person and the
  environment Reciprocal Determinism

5
Social Learning Theory Albert Bandura as an
example 1

• Theoretical assumptions
• The self is constructed and shaped by the
  reciprocal interaction of (Reciprocal
  Determinism)
• Personal factors such as
• Beliefs expectations Self regulation,
  Imitation modeling, self-reflection
• Environmental factors stimuli and cues
• These factors interact to produce behaviour
  (personality)

6
Social Learning Theory Albert Bandura as an
example

• Reciprocal Determinism

P
E
B
7
Social Learning Theory Albert Bandura as an
example 2

• Theoretical assumptions
• The self system
• Context dependent Behaviour is a function of
  where you are not of internally fixed traits
• A set of cognitive systems that percieve,
  evaluate and regulate behaviour.
• Assists in relating to the environment
• Maturity is reached by having greater control
• More internal self reinforcement
• Shaping of the environment more self -rewarding

8
Social Learning Theory Albert Bandura as an
example 3

• Observational Learning
• By observation and modeling (VS external
  reinforcement)
• Self reinforcement
• Tangible rewards food, gifts, special outing.
• Internal processes such as self-praise and self-
  blame
• Experimental evidence
• Aggression in children Bobo doll

9
Social Learning Theory Albert Bandura as an
example 4

• Observational Learning
• Important learning principles
• Consequences are observed and learnt
• Humans represent observed behaviour internally
  and symbolically VS literally
• Factors influencing modeling
• Characteristics of the model
• Attributes of the observer
• Reward consequences of the behaviour

10
Banduras Observational Learning
11
Banduras Observational Learning
Reinforcement
12
Social Learning Theory Albert Bandura as an
example

• Television Aggression (To read)
• Expectancies Self Efficacy
• People generally know what to do to get what they
  want
• BUT To DO the behaviour one needs confidence in
  ones ability
• Selfefficacy is
• perceived ability to carry out a desired
  action
• Based on the notion of competence motivation
• Based on clinical evidence in therapy

13
Social Learning Theory Albert Bandura as an
example

• Self Efficacy Implications
• S-E is central to governing
• Thought processes
• Motivation
• Actions
• NB for the following
• Acquiring new knowledge
• Choice of what activities you do
• Co-ordinates other cognitive skills

14
Social Learning Theory Albert Bandura as an
example

• Sources of Self Efficacy
• Past accomplishments
• Vicarious experiences
• Social influences e.g. verbal persuasion
• Physical and emotional states
• How are the Sources used?

Influence Cognitive Motivational Emotional Select
ive Processes
Selected Interpreted Integrated
Total Estimate of Self-Efficacy
15
Social Learning Theory Albert Bandura as an
example

• Important additional aspects
• Psychotherapy Behaviour Modification
• For application of the theory. You will be asked
  about applications.
• Banduras Theory (pp. 240-241)
• This is essential reading for a critical
  perspective on Banduras theory It will be
  included in the test and the examination