Social learning theory is the concept that people learn by observing and imitating others,in particular cognitive learning theory the people that have a major impact on their lives. Learning through observation takes place in shared spaces like workplaces,schools and even your family,and can be both positive and negative. Impersonation can also be influenced by your mental state.,
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The theory is based on operant and classical conditioning but is different in that it does not focus only on internal processes,but also the environment. This is different from classic and operant conditioning,which focus more on relations between stimulus and response.,
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Albert Bandura developed social learning theory in the 1960s,after performing a series of experiments,including the Bobo doll experiment. The study showed that children emulate the style of play of the adults they observe even without being directly instructed to do it. He believed that a lot of models of behavior-enhancing strategies didn’t include the social context,and this is the reason why people behave differently based on their environment.,
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Teachers can use the principles of the social learning theory by rewarding desirable behaviors and preventing undesirable behaviors. One option is to use the reward system to encourage students to engage in class discussions,finish assignments and follow classroom rules. Another way to motivate students is to model appropriate behaviour and boosting their self-confidence. This approach can also be employed to help students develop’ empathy and respect for their peers.,
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People can also gain knowledge by watching the behavior of others and learn from their behavior,for instance,how to avoid or cope with stress. Vicarious learning is an excellent tool for people who struggle with depression and anxiety. Vicarious learning can be harmful due to the fact that it may cause people to replicate negative behaviors such as violence and aggression.,
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At work,workers frequently imitate the behavior of their colleagues. It can be a way to fit in or gain recognition,and can be a method to determine the behaviors that are appreciated by their bosses. This can be problematic in the event that the company culture discourages these types of behavior.,
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This theory explains why individuals may be more likely take risks with their behavior. It can explain why people may use drugs or smoke after watching their friends do it,or watch violent videos or imitate the violence in the media. Research from 2021 shows that there are different factors that affect people’s willingness to engage in dangerous behavior. The social learning aspect is just one of them.,
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The theory may help clarify why people behave differently in different environments but it can also be difficult to implement. People may experience internal conflict when they adopt new behaviors which contradict their beliefs or values. To address this,teachers can help students to identify their values and beliefs,and then guide them to identify ways to incorporate new habits into their lives that reflect these values.,