Albert Bandura Social Learning Theory
Bandura and Social Learning Theory
"Do as I say, not as I do." The quote is one of the most famous adages of all time. After all, mom is always right. Then how is it that many professionals disagree with such a classic phrase? Scientific evidence. Through years of research, world-renowned psychologist Albert Bandura created an entirely new field of psychology based on a fairly simple idea: humans learn by observation.
Born on December 4, 1925, in the small town of Mundare in northern Alberta, Canada, Bandura was educated in a small elementary school and high school in one, with minimal resources, yet a remarkable success rate. He received his bachelors degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia in 1949. He went on to the University of Iowa, where he received his Ph.D. in 1952. It was there that he came under …show more content…
Studies that suggest children imitate violent behavior seen on television are consistent with social learning theory. Billions of people around the world spend at least 3-4 hours watching television a day. Billions of people are also affected by AIDS, overpopulation, illiteracy, and gender discrimination. Dr. Bandura 's research combines the power of television and the promise of psychological theory to address these social problems. Thus, Bandura 's research has positive implications-- not just pointing out negative, violent behavior. Critics point out that some of the emotions displayed by the children were just "playfighting", rather than authentic aggression anyway (Cumberbatch, 1990). One thing is clear, however, Dr. Bandura has certainly paved the way for future studies on this social learning phenomenon. There is no harm in exploring a subfield of psychology that has the potential to educate people, reveal serious and taboo issues in the world, and also to bring society closer together with a better understanding of each
"Do as I say, not as I do." The quote is one of the most famous adages of all time. After all, mom is always right. Then how is it that many professionals disagree with such a classic phrase? Scientific evidence. Through years of research, world-renowned psychologist Albert Bandura created an entirely new field of psychology based on a fairly simple idea: humans learn by observation.
Born on December 4, 1925, in the small town of Mundare in northern Alberta, Canada, Bandura was educated in a small elementary school and high school in one, with minimal resources, yet a remarkable success rate. He received his bachelors degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia in 1949. He went on to the University of Iowa, where he received his Ph.D. in 1952. It was there that he came under …show more content…
Studies that suggest children imitate violent behavior seen on television are consistent with social learning theory. Billions of people around the world spend at least 3-4 hours watching television a day. Billions of people are also affected by AIDS, overpopulation, illiteracy, and gender discrimination. Dr. Bandura 's research combines the power of television and the promise of psychological theory to address these social problems. Thus, Bandura 's research has positive implications-- not just pointing out negative, violent behavior. Critics point out that some of the emotions displayed by the children were just "playfighting", rather than authentic aggression anyway (Cumberbatch, 1990). One thing is clear, however, Dr. Bandura has certainly paved the way for future studies on this social learning phenomenon. There is no harm in exploring a subfield of psychology that has the potential to educate people, reveal serious and taboo issues in the world, and also to bring society closer together with a better understanding of each