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Chapter 16: Social Learning Theory & Humanistic Model

Albert Bandura

Albert Bandura: Leading proponent of Social Learning Theory.

Learning occurs through reinforcement, punishment, and social learning.

Social learning theory focuses on learning within a social context: observational learning, imitation, modeling.

Aggression is learned through behavior modeling; violent tendencies are modeled, not inherited.

Reinforcements of aggression: tension reduction, financial rewards, praise, self-esteem.

General Principles of Social Learning Theory

General Principles of Social Learning Theory:

1. People learn by observing others and outcomes.
2. Learning can occur without behavior change.
3. Cognition plays a role: awareness and expectations of reinforcement/punishment affect behavior.
4. Social learning bridges behaviorist and cognitive learning theories.

Modeling

Modeling: Models can be students, teachers, celebrities, fictional characters, media figures.

Observer’s perception of model’s reinforcement influences imitation.

Self-modeling possible: teachers or athletes use videos of themselves for improvement.

Factors of Modeling (Bandura)

Factors of Modeling (Bandura):

1. Attention: must pay attention to model.
2. Retention: must remember observed behavior (rehearsal helps).
3. Motor reproduction: ability to replicate behavior.
4. Motivation: must want to demonstrate learned behavior.

Types of Models

Types of Models:

• Live model: actual person demonstrating behavior.
• Symbolic model: person/action in media, TV, videos, programs.

Behaviors Learned Through Modeling

Behaviors Learned Through Modeling: Academic behaviors, bravery, aggression, moral thinking and behavior.

Children become more aggressive when observing violent models.

Bullies often come from aggressive households or experience physical punishment.

Vicarious Learning

Vicarious Learning: Factors influencing vicarious learning:

1. Similarity of model to observer.
2. Prestige of model.
3. Observability of behavior.

Vicarious Reinforcement

Vicarious Reinforcement: Observer imitates behavior if model is reinforced.

Reinforcement can occur via model, third party, or satisfying consequences of behavior itself.

Vicarious Punishment

Vicarious Punishment: Reinforcement and punishment have indirect effects.

Observing punishment (vicarious punishment) can deter behavior more effectively than direct punishment.

Child observing punishment learns to avoid behavior.

Criticisms of Social Learning Theory

Criticisms of Social Learning Theory:

• Ignores role of books and literature in empathy and learning.
• Ignores biological factors: genetic, brain, and autonomic responses.
• Rejects classical and operant conditioning; ignores biological preparedness and brain role.

Humanistic Model (Carl Rogers)

Humanistic Model (Carl Rogers): Positive viewpoint: humans responsible for own happiness and well-being.

Innate capacity for self-actualization.

Five postulates (James Bugental, 1964):

1. Humans cannot be reduced to components.
2. Humans have a uniquely human context.
3. Human consciousness includes self-awareness in social context.
4. Humans have choices and responsibilities.
5. Humans are intentional, seeking meaning, value, creativity.

Humans naturally grow and develop; not basically animals.

Reinforcement can be administered but controlling others is opposed.

Violence According to Humanistic Perspective

Violence According to Humanistic Perspective: Mental problems and aggression arise when society blocks growth.

Violence is resistance to societal blockage.

Society’s aggression can be internalized and redirected as violence toward others.

Education Perspective (Rogers)

Education Perspective (Rogers): Children given freedom to choose curriculum, targets, and study subjects grow into non-violent, peaceful adults.

Client-Centered Therapy

Client-Centered Therapy: Psychological growth occurs with congruence, unconditional positive regard, and empathy.

• Empathy: ability to feel and understand another’s emotions.
• Unconditional Positive Regard: acceptance of client as they are, respecting them regardless of actions.

Mental illness often caused by absence or defective love in childhood; unconditional positive regard fosters growth.

Therapist provides care, feedback, and maintains congruence to help client overcome entrenched patterns from past environment.

Key Concepts in Social Learning and Humanism

Summary of Important Points

Aspect	Description
Social Learning Theory	Learning via observation, imitation; aggression modeled
Modeling	Factors: attention, retention, reproduction, motivation
Vicarious Effects	Reinforcement/punishment through observation
Criticisms	Ignores biological, literary influences
Humanistic Model	Humans self-actualize; positive, responsible
Violence in Humanism	Resistance to societal blocks on growth

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