Bandura Social Learning Theory

Famous psychologist Albert Bandura originated the social learning theory of aggression. The theory explains how people learn through observing others; those observations can come from other people’s behavior, and or attitude. Bandura states that behavior is learned by observation of modeling. Modeling is a method used in different techniques where a behavior is displayed by a role model to a learner or observer who then learns the behavior. Bandura was very interested in seeing if this theory was true. He wanted to test whether people really did learn by observation, imitating or modeling. According to McLeod (2014), this is when he ran the Bobo Doll Experiment at Stanford University. Bandura found that Children who observed the aggressive

In the Bobo doll experiment bandura used three basic models, the first basic model was a live model, which involved someone demonstrating a behavior. The second model was verbal instruction, basically explaining to the participant what behavior you want them to display. Finally the third model being symbolic modeling, which involved books, films, TV, or online media displaying the specific behavior. The second concept used in the social learning theory was, intrinsic reinforcement. Bandura described intrinsic reinforcement as, pride, satisfaction, and a sense of accomplishment: those that go along with internal thoughts and cognitions. The social learning theory is usually associated with behavioral theories but Bandura associated it with cognitive development

For example, TV shows, movies, video games, music, commercials etc. For me I have a few experiences with each, I’m a Resident Assistant and being in charge of fifty plus students can get overwhelming. Try handling your own personal problems and those of other people. Some people handle emotions differently but I mainly witness aggressive behavior. “Aggression is behavior intended to harm another individual who is motivated to avoid that harm. It is not an affect, emotion, or aggressive thought, plan, or wish.” (Psychology Anderson). For example, one of my former residents said he wanted to join the military because he thought it would be just like the video game Call of Duty. I tried to explain to him that joining the military was no joke and that it should be something that gets a lot of thought put into. He said he would be fine since he is so good at the game. This is a clear representation of the social learn theory of aggression. This person was willing to put their life at risk because he thought killing people in the military like in the video game would be so much