Homework in Health Education

Submitted by: Velandrez, Esther Joy R.

Submitted to: Dean Estrella San Juan
Section: N1F

Social Learning Theory

Role modeling is the central concept of this theory. Albert Bandura’s social learning
theory (SLT) suggests that we learn social behavior by observing and imitating the
behavior of others. His theory is regarded as the bridge between behaviorist and
cognitive learning theories, encompassing attention, memory, and motivational
processes (Muro & Jeffrey, 2008). His approach recognized reinforcement and the
importance of observing, modeling, and imitating the emotional reactions,
attitudes, and behaviors of others in learning (Bandura, 1977a).

The social learning theory has four mediational processes that help to determine
whether a new behavior is acquired:

​ Attention: The degree to which we notice the behavior. A behavior must

grab our attention before it can be imitated. Considering the number of
behaviors we observe and do not imitate daily indicates attention is
crucial in whether a behavior influences imitation.
​ Retention: How well we remember the behavior. We cannot perform the
behavior if we do not remember the behavior. So, while a behavior may be
noticed, unless a memory is formed, the observer will not perform the
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Homework in Health Education
​ behavior. And, because social learning is not immediate, retention is vital
to behavior modeling.
​ Reproduction: The ability to perform the behavior. This is the ability to
reproduce a behavior we observe. It influences our decision about
whether to try performing the behavior. Even when we wish to imitate an
observed behavior, we are limited by our physical abilities.
​ Motivation: The will to emulate the behavior. This mediational process is
referred to as vicarious reinforcement. It involves learning through
observing the consequences of actions for other people, rather than
through direct experience.

According to social learning theory, people tend to imitate the behavior they see
others engaging in, especially if that conduct is being supported by others. A child
is likely to imitate certain activities, such as assisting their significant other around
the house and volunteering at the local community center, if they see their parents
doing these things. If these acts are rewarded, they are reinforced and most often
repeated by the person. By acknowledging cognitive elements and the part they
play in deciding whether to replicate behavior, social learning theory explains
complicated behavior. It does not, however, take into consideration the fact that we
generate a variety of behaviors based on our ideas and feelings. We have a great
deal of control over our conduct, so we don't automatically repeat undesirable
behavior, like violence, just because we witness it.

Let us take note that learning does not necessarily lead to behavior change.
However, it will help us to gather new information and widen our perspective to the
things that are uncertain to us.