Albert Bandura's Social Learning Theory: Put To the Test

How much does observing someone’s behavior actually shape others' actions? Social learning theory, introduced by psychologist Albert Bandura suggests that learning occurs through observation, imitation, and modeling. This intriguing theory accounts for the interaction of environmental and cognitive elements affecting people's learning. However, when this theory is put to the test, is it true?


In 1961, Albert Bandura was eager to investigate the role of observational learning by creating his classic study “Bobo Doll Experiment.” The assessment involved children between the ages of three and six divided into three groups (exposed to an aggressive adult model who attacked a Bobo doll, exposed to a non-aggressive adult model, was not exposed to any adult model “control group”). After the children observed the adult models, they were then free to be left alone with the Bobo doll. Once the researchers observed and recorded their behavior, they uncovered significant findings. The children were seen imitating the same behaviors that corresponded to the adult model that they first observed. For example, the children who were exposed to the aggressive adult model then engaged in similar aggressive behaviors towards the doll (hit, kicked, and threw the doll.) 


I enjoy this study every time I learn more about it as I feel there is a lot more research to reveal. While observational learning displays a great effect on children’s behavior, it would be interesting to see more evidence being done on other cohorts, or even investigating certain nature/genetic aspects affecting this theory. Altogether, Albert Bandura’s study has sparked an interest in other theorists to dive deeper into the social learning theory. This theory has given a greater understanding of how behavior is learned through observation, imitation, and modeling in the environment. 

  



        Fryling, M. J., Johnston, C., & Hayes, L. J. (2011). Understanding observational learning: An interbehavioral approach. The Analysis of Verbal Behavior. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3139552/




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