Explain The Strengths And Limitations Of Social Learning Theory

Strengths, Limitations and Social Work Every theory has strengths and limitations, which can be beneficial to understanding behaviour as well as leaving gaps in knowledge as not every theory can explain every facet of human behaviour and understanding this is a key part of social work practice. The social work profession is guided by the AASW Practice Standards, which aim to provide a guide to practice, collective standards and expectations and can be used as a platform for ongoing professional development (AASW, 2013). A major strength of social learning theory is that it is not based on a single stimulus-response but incorporates an individual’s problem solving ability, memory and mental imagery (Grusec, 1992). Being able to conduct a holistic assessment of an individuals situation imperative in effective social work practice and requires the skill of applying knowledge to practice by gathering the appropriate information (AASW, 2013). As social learning theory takes a wide range of information into explaining and understanding an individuals behaviour it would be beneficial to use along side other theories for a social worker to gain an understanding on why individuals behave in certain ways. Furthermore, research has shown that when use in a behaviour
Social learning theory was able to be applied to a wide variety of Kampuschs behaviours as described in her book 3096 Days which enabled an analysis of the causes behind her behaviour. Every theory has its strengths and limitations and it for social workers to use a wide range of theory’s and techniques through a selection of what is appropriate and relevant in their practice context (AASW, 2013). In order to do this they must apply theories when they are relevant and disregard them when they are