Subjects
Biology
Chemistry
AP Chemistry
English
AP English Literature
Psychology
Nov 25, 2025
557
4 pages
Amala Seth @amala_seth
Ever wondered why you might copy a celebrity's style or pick up habits from your mates? Social Learning... Show more
Social Learning Theory (SLT) was developed by Albert Bandura, who realised that we don't just learn from our own experiences - we're constantly learning by watching others. This theory suggests that people learn through observation and imitation of role models around them.
The key concept here is vicarious reinforcement. This means you learn by watching someone else get rewarded or punished for their behaviour. If you see someone getting praised for something, you're more likely to copy that behaviour because you expect a similar reward.
Role models are crucial in SLT. They don't have to be physically present - think about influencers you follow online. Effective role models often share similar characteristics to you (age, interests), have high status, are attractive or charismatic, or are people close to you like parents or older siblings.
Key Point Unlike behaviourism, SLT recognises that mental processes matter when learning new behaviours.
For successful learning through observation, four mediational processes must occur. Think of these as the mental steps your brain goes through when copying behaviour.
Attention comes first - you need to actually notice the behaviour. Retention follows - you must remember what you observed. Motor reproduction means being physically able to copy the behaviour. Finally, motivation determines whether you'll actually perform the behaviour, usually based on expected rewards or punishments.
These processes work together like a chain Attention → Retention → Motor Reproduction → Motivation. If any link breaks, learning won't lead to imitation.
The famous Bobo doll study by Bandura (1961) demonstrated this perfectly. Children who watched adults behaving aggressively towards a large inflatable doll later copied this aggressive behaviour when left alone with the same toy.
Remember All four mediational processes must be present for successful social learning to occur.
SLT has some brilliant strengths that make it superior to earlier learning theories. Most importantly, it recognises that cognitive factors play a crucial role in learning. Classical and operant conditioning alone can't explain how humans learn complex behaviours.
Think about it - learning would be incredibly slow and dangerous if we only learned from our own mistakes. Bandura pointed out that we rely on observing others to make judgements about appropriate behaviour. This makes SLT a much more comprehensive explanation of human learning.
However, there are some significant criticisms. SLT largely ignores biological factors like hormones (such as testosterone affecting aggression). Recent research suggests mirror neurons might explain our ability to empathise and imitate, indicating that biology plays a bigger role than Bandura originally thought.
Another major criticism focuses on the artificial laboratory settings used in research. Most studies observed young children in labs, which could lead to demand characteristics and unrealistic behaviour.
Critical Thinking Consider how biological and environmental factors might work together in social learning.
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
6
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Study notes covering AP Psych curriculum
AP PsychologyExplore the key psychological approaches including behaviorism, cognitive psychology, and psychodynamic theories. This summary covers foundational concepts such as conditioned responses, operant conditioning, and Freud's theories, providing a comprehensive evaluation of each approach's contributions and limitations. Ideal for students seeking to understand the diverse methodologies in psychology.
PsychologyExplore the strengths and weaknesses of the behavioral approach in psychology, including its environmental determinism, use of animal research, scientific methods, and real-life applications in behavior therapy. This summary highlights key concepts such as operant conditioning and the implications for the justice system and treatment of phobias.
PsychologyExplore the key concepts of attachment through classical and operant conditioning. This summary covers Dollard and Miller's 'cupboard love' theory, the role of primary and secondary drives, and evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of learning theory in explaining attachment. Ideal for psychology students studying attachment theory.
PsychologyExplore the Learning Theory of attachment, which explains how caregiver-infant interactions shape emotional bonds. This summary covers classical and operant conditioning, the role of primary drives, and critiques from animal and human research. Ideal for psychology students studying attachment theory.
PsychologyExplore the principles and effectiveness of Systematic Desensitisation (SD) in treating phobias. This summary covers key concepts such as counter conditioning, the fear hierarchy, and the evaluation of SD's success rates and ethical considerations. Ideal for students studying behavior therapy and cognitive-behavioral approaches.
PsychologyApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Amala Seth
@amala_seth
Ever wondered why you might copy a celebrity's style or pick up habits from your mates? Social Learning Theory explains how we learn by watching and copying others, rather than just through direct experience. It's a brilliant way to understand... Show more
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Social Learning Theory (SLT) was developed by Albert Bandura, who realised that we don't just learn from our own experiences - we're constantly learning by watching others. This theory suggests that people learn through observation and imitation of role models around them.
The key concept here is vicarious reinforcement. This means you learn by watching someone else get rewarded or punished for their behaviour. If you see someone getting praised for something, you're more likely to copy that behaviour because you expect a similar reward.
Role models are crucial in SLT. They don't have to be physically present - think about influencers you follow online. Effective role models often share similar characteristics to you (age, interests), have high status, are attractive or charismatic, or are people close to you like parents or older siblings.
Key Point: Unlike behaviourism, SLT recognises that mental processes matter when learning new behaviours.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
For successful learning through observation, four mediational processes must occur. Think of these as the mental steps your brain goes through when copying behaviour.
Attention comes first - you need to actually notice the behaviour. Retention follows - you must remember what you observed. Motor reproduction means being physically able to copy the behaviour. Finally, motivation determines whether you'll actually perform the behaviour, usually based on expected rewards or punishments.
These processes work together like a chain: Attention → Retention → Motor Reproduction → Motivation. If any link breaks, learning won't lead to imitation.
The famous Bobo doll study by Bandura (1961) demonstrated this perfectly. Children who watched adults behaving aggressively towards a large inflatable doll later copied this aggressive behaviour when left alone with the same toy.
Remember: All four mediational processes must be present for successful social learning to occur.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
SLT has some brilliant strengths that make it superior to earlier learning theories. Most importantly, it recognises that cognitive factors play a crucial role in learning. Classical and operant conditioning alone can't explain how humans learn complex behaviours.
Think about it - learning would be incredibly slow and dangerous if we only learned from our own mistakes. Bandura pointed out that we rely on observing others to make judgements about appropriate behaviour. This makes SLT a much more comprehensive explanation of human learning.
However, there are some significant criticisms. SLT largely ignores biological factors like hormones (such as testosterone affecting aggression). Recent research suggests mirror neurons might explain our ability to empathise and imitate, indicating that biology plays a bigger role than Bandura originally thought.
Another major criticism focuses on the artificial laboratory settings used in research. Most studies observed young children in labs, which could lead to demand characteristics and unrealistic behaviour.
Critical Thinking: Consider how biological and environmental factors might work together in social learning.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
6
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Study notes covering AP Psych curriculum
AP PsychologyExplore the key psychological approaches including behaviorism, cognitive psychology, and psychodynamic theories. This summary covers foundational concepts such as conditioned responses, operant conditioning, and Freud's theories, providing a comprehensive evaluation of each approach's contributions and limitations. Ideal for students seeking to understand the diverse methodologies in psychology.
PsychologyExplore the strengths and weaknesses of the behavioral approach in psychology, including its environmental determinism, use of animal research, scientific methods, and real-life applications in behavior therapy. This summary highlights key concepts such as operant conditioning and the implications for the justice system and treatment of phobias.
PsychologyExplore the key concepts of attachment through classical and operant conditioning. This summary covers Dollard and Miller's 'cupboard love' theory, the role of primary and secondary drives, and evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of learning theory in explaining attachment. Ideal for psychology students studying attachment theory.
PsychologyExplore the Learning Theory of attachment, which explains how caregiver-infant interactions shape emotional bonds. This summary covers classical and operant conditioning, the role of primary drives, and critiques from animal and human research. Ideal for psychology students studying attachment theory.
PsychologyExplore the principles and effectiveness of Systematic Desensitisation (SD) in treating phobias. This summary covers key concepts such as counter conditioning, the fear hierarchy, and the evaluation of SD's success rates and ethical considerations. Ideal for students studying behavior therapy and cognitive-behavioral approaches.
PsychologyApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
