SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY 1 Robin Seim Social Learning Theory May 17, 2014 EDUC 532
SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY 2 The social learning theory was derived by Albert Bandura in attempt to understand why people act the way that they do. In an article by Wren (1982), he takes a look at the social learning theory through an emphasis on self-regulation and morality. The article mentions that this theory is a multi faceted theory that works together to explain human behavior. It is also through the Law of Effect that morals are formed. In terms of morality, a person s morals are formed by the influences of someone else s norms or that of the society. Our morals are not something that are uniquely ours, but are shaped and molded by the viewpoints of people around us. Morals can be ever changing depending on the influences of society and a person s feelings or affects of their behaviors. The article simply defines morality as a socially endorsed pattern of behaviors (Wren, 1982, p. 411). The Law of Effect tells us that positive responses in a situation are more likely to reoccur in the same situation and vise versa, negative responses in a situation are less likely to reoccur in the same situation. Since the positive response is more desired, it is likely that humans will seek out the situations that produce positive reactions, which in turn, shapes our behaviors and beliefs. Bandura s theory is based on self-regulation and imitative modeling in which any behavior can be attained through imitation (Wren, 1982). The information that is gathered from the modeling process then in turn is used to guide subsequent and future behavior. Bandura s research is based heavily in the stimuli and response idea; however he adds two main key points. The first being that the idea that the association of affective stimuli and acts can be wrought vicariously as well as by instrumental and classical conditioning (Wren, 1982, p. 414). The second key factor is the idea of self-reinforcement where rewards or
SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY 3 punishment is administered upon certain behaviors. Essentially, he is pointing out that behaviors are learned, either on accident, through conditioning or based upon self-reinforcement. We learn from our actions and the responses we receive from our actions. We decipher what is deemed acceptable and repeat those actions in order to get the same response. My morals are a direct reflection of my parent s morals, my Lutheranism and the way I was raised. I was taught from an early age what was considered to be right or wrong. I would seek out the behaviors that would result in a positive response; however, the negative responses to my behaviors were also present and served as a learning experience of how not to act. If I had not attended a Lutheran school, my morals most likely would be different from today or not as convicted. Since I was taught what is right from wrong at home and at school, I know that it is wrong to kill, steal, cheat, harm each other, etc. At one I used to think that smoking was bad and that adults would get into trouble as well. (Don t get me wrong, I still think smoking is bad and harmful, however, I know that it is not morally wrong in the sense of religious affiliation, just more socially unacceptable.) My behaviors are shaped by environment growing up and continue to be shaped and enforced by my current environment. For example, because I was taught that stealing is wrong, I am able to work at Kohl s in the customer service department and handle thousands of dollars while I am working without even a thought of stealing crossing my mind. The money is not mine, it does not belong to me and it would be wrong to take it, not to mention that stealing would result in termination from a part-time job I really enjoy.
SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY 4 Upon first encountering the term, Social Learning Theory, I expected the theory to be based on the learning that agrees in social groups. In the realm of education, I was anticipating an emphasis in group exercises or a traditional classroom over home schooling. I was thinking that this theory would take into account that students learn to work together and learn valuable social skills when they are encouraged to work in groups or social settings. As I mentioned earlier, social learning theory is a multifaceted theory, so this may be part of the theory, however the article I worked with did not emphasize that. It was interesting and reaffirming that our behaviors are based upon experiences and responses to situations. Through having the morals of those around us impressed upon us, the foundations of our values and morals are formed. However, these morals change or are reaffirmed due to the social norms and current situation.
SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY 5 References Wren, T.E. (1982). Social learning theory, self-regulation, and morality. Ethics. 92(3), 409-424. Retrieved May 16, 2014 from JSTOR database (2380729).