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Social Learning Theory

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Name of Theory

Social Learning Theory

Synonyms

Social cognitive theory

Introduction

Social learning theory builds on behavioral and cognitive theories of learning and provides a model that accounts for the wide range of learning experiences. This theory illustrates how observing others can play a vital role in how we acquire new knowledge and skills. For social learning theory, biological factors are important, but not as important as learned observable behaviors.

Prominent Associated Figures

The structure of the theory is attributed to Albert Bandura (1963, 1969, 1977; Bandura and Walters 1963). His theoretical work was based on modeling and aggression studies. Neal Miller and John Dollard wrote the book Social Learning Theory which was a reinterpretation of psychoanalytic theory in terms of stimulus-response factors. Julian Rotter wrote Social Learning and Clinical Psychology (1954). He emphasized the holistic interaction between the individual and the environment.

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Albert...

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References

  • Bandura, A. (1963). Social learning and personality development. New York: Holt Rinehard and Winston.

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  • Bandura, A. (1969). Social-learning theory of identificatory processes. In D. Goslin (Ed.), Handbook of socialization theory and research. Chicago: Rand McNally.

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  • Bandura, A. (1972). Modeling theory: Some traditions, trends and disputes. In R. D. Park (Ed.), Recent trends in social learning theory (pp. 35–61). New York: Academic.

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  • Bandura, A. (1973). Aggression: social learning analysis. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall.

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  • Bandura, A. (1977). Social learning theory. Oxford: Prentice-Hall.

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  • Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. New York: Freeman.

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  • Bandura, A., & Walters, R. H. (1963). Social learning and personality development. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston.

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  • Freud, A. (1966). The ego and the mechanisms of defense. New York: International University Press.

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  • Grusec, J. (1992). Social learning theory and developmental psychology: The legacies of Robert Sears and Albert Bandura. Developmental Psychology, 28(5), 776–786.

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  • Patterson, G. R. (1969). Behavioral techniques based upon social learning: An additional base for developing behavior modification technologies. In C. Franks (Ed.), Behavior therapy appraisal and status. New York: McGraw-Hill.

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  • Piaget, J. (1952). The origins of intelligence in children. New York: International Universities Press.

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  • Piaget, J. (1954). The construction of reality in the child. New York: Basic Books.

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  • Rotter, J. (1954). Social learning and clinical psychology. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice-Hall.

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Correspondence to Stanley Selinger .

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Selinger, S. (2019). Social Learning Theory. In: Lebow, J.L., Chambers, A.L., Breunlin, D.C. (eds) Encyclopedia of Couple and Family Therapy. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-49425-8_57

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