Social Learning Theory of Albert Bandura

There are several reasons to explore the efficacy of Bandura's social learning theory as a model for human learning. First, there is the historical contribution of the theory which, as pointed out by Samuel (1991) consists of the fact that the model almost single-handedly shifted the general behavioral perspective from one of a single-minded focus on observable stimuli and responses to an expanded perspective incorporating cognitive, emotional and social elements. This contribution alone merits an in-depth exploration and critical analysis of the model.

A second reason for conducting an evaluative critique of Bandura's social learning theory is the fact that the model has such wide application in the social sciences; this includes applications of the model to human growth and development theory (see: Papalia & Olds, 1995), to personality development (S

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tendencies to dehumanize or appeal to lofty principles as a means of justifying aggressive behavior and/or reducing its negative import are said to effectively neutralize the power of both social norms and internal standards in controlling aggressive conduct. In summary then, it can be seen that Bandura's social learning theory introduced into behavioral models the notion that internal forces in human beings (cognitions and emotions) were part of the causal nexus producing human behavior. Modeling, imitation, the role of self-reinforcement in learning were explicated by the model and used to explain both regular human behavior as well as a type of human behavior that was not easily accounted for by earlier models---namely novel or vicarious behavior. The model has been applied to diverse psychobehavioral phenomena; an example of its application to aggression was presented here. Discussion and Review of the Research Several articles and books have provided critical evaluations of Bandura's social learning theory either in all or in part. Pervin (1980), for example, reported that critical examination of Bandura's social learning theory clearly demonstrates that the model has several strengths. Regarding these strengths, Per
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