Social Cognitive Theory

A quick health warning this clip is quite harrowing but it does make a good introduction to social learning theory and put it into a real world context.

Describing the Theory

social-learning-theory : Here is the powerpoint that we used as a nearpod in class

slt-mcq Here is a set of MCQs to test you on the theory

slthandout: Here is my handout about the theory

Applying the theory

applying-slt

applying-social-learning-theory

kayaking-story

slt-applied-activities

Jack is two years of age and is learning to use the potty/toilet without the need for a nappy. His parents are trying to think of ways to encourage Jack to use the potty/toilet. Bandura’s (1961, 1963) original Bobo Doll experiments investigated the influence of social learning theory. Using your knowledge of Bandura’s (1961, 1963) original Bobo Doll experiments, suggest one way Jack’s parents could use social learning theory to encourage Jack to use the potty/toilet. (2)

Social Learning Theory can be used to explain many different kinds of behaviour. Use terms from Social Learning Theory to fill in the blanks in the paragraph below. You must not use the same term more than once.

Faye observes her mother mending the car and imitates her mother’s behaviour. This is because her mother is a ……………………………………………………………………………….. A characteristic of Faye’s mother that means she is more likely to be imitated by her daughter is that she is …………………………………………………………………………………..Faye sees her father reward her mother for fixing the car as he takes her out to dinner. This is an example of …………………………………………………………………………..When Faye helps to fix the car she is given praise, which increases her ……………………………………………………………………………………… so she is more likely to repeat the behaviour.

Tim has gone into the kitchen to help his mother by washing up the dishes after dinner. Using concepts from social learning theory, explain how Tim might have learned to help his mother by washing up the dishes. (6)

Ollie passed his driving test 6 months ago. Recently, he received three penalty points
for driving in excess of the speed limit. He used to travel as a passenger a lot with his older brother, Freddie. Freddie used to drive way over the speed list and always got away with it come how. Freddie would laugh and joke about it, saying he found the risk exhilarating. Using your knowledge of social learning theory, explain why Ollie may have
driven in excess of the speed limit. (4)

Evaluating the theory

Bandura’s own studies

Let’s make Bandura’s labs: 

Another study 

You could also research Becker et al.’s study about eating disorders in Fiji: http://bjp.rcpsych.org/content/180/6/509

Evaluating the theory

Interesting study:  

Possible IB questions

SAQ: Describe social cognitive theory with reference to one research study (9)

ERQ: Discuss social cognitive theory with reference to research studies (22)