Bandura Social Learning Theory

According to Albert Bandura, observational learning is a learning process of identifying a model and reproducing their behaviour. Reproduction of the observed behaviour can result on the basis of whether the behaviour of the model carries with it positive or negative consequences. This can also be referred to as vicarious reinforcement or vicarious punishment of the model’s behaviour. An observer will more likely reproduce the actions of a model whose characteristics they find attractive or desirable. An observer can acquire a behaviour while not performing it, preferring to utilize the learnt behaviour at an appropriate time. Observational learning can be processed as modelling particular patterns of behaviours and learning emotional responses such as fear, anxiety or pleasure. Observational learning occurs through four processes attention, retention, production and motivation.
Attention
The initial condition required for effective modeling in Bandura’s Social Learning Theory is attention. According to Baron & Byrne, (2004) attention refers to information that we notice. The level of this attention is determined by various factors which may increase or decrease the extent of which attention is paid. These factors are characterized by a learner’s abilities which are determined by one’s sensory capacities, arousal level, perceptual set and past reinforcement. The sensory capacities; visual acuity, colour discrimination, pure tone hearing, speech recognition and sound localization. The depth, presence or absence of these capacities determines the measure of attention that can be and would be displayed. A simple example of this; a teacher may attempt to teach the art of dance encompassing the symbolic model of film. However, for the students to encode what is being taught, that is to pay attention, they must utilize their sensory capacities. Arousal level also influences quality of attention paid and its features can vary from fear and aggression