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Unlock This CourseAlbert Bandura's Social Learning Theory shows us that we don't just learn through our own experiences - we also learn by watching others. These 'others' are called models and they come in different forms. Understanding the types of models helps us see how powerful social learning really is in shaping our behaviour.
Models are everywhere in our daily lives. From the celebrities we follow on social media to our parents at home, from teachers at school to characters in films - they all influence how we think, feel and behave. But not all models work in the same way.
Key Definitions:
Models are crucial because they provide us with examples of how to behave in different situations. They show us what's acceptable, what works and what doesn't. This saves us from having to learn everything through trial and error, which could be dangerous or time-consuming.
Bandura identified three main types of models that influence our learning. Each type works differently and has varying levels of impact on our behaviour. Let's explore each one in detail.
Live models are real people we can see and interact with directly. They're the most powerful type of model because we can observe their behaviour in real-time and see the immediate consequences of their actions.
Parents, siblings and relatives are often our first and most influential live models. Children copy how their parents speak, eat and solve problems.
Teachers model academic behaviour, problem-solving approaches and social skills. Students often copy their teacher's methods and attitudes.
Friends and classmates influence fashion choices, language use and social behaviour. Peer pressure often works through live modelling.
In Bandura's famous 1961 experiment, children watched adults (live models) either behave aggressively or non-aggressively towards a Bobo doll. The children who saw aggressive behaviour were much more likely to copy it when left alone with the doll. This showed the power of live models in shaping behaviour, even when the behaviour seemed inappropriate.
Symbolic models are people we observe through media - films, TV shows, books, video games and social media. Even though we can't interact with them directly, they still influence our behaviour significantly.
Fictional characters can influence fashion, language and behaviour. Think about how superhero films affect children's play behaviour.
Famous people influence lifestyle choices, from what we wear to what we buy. Their behaviour is often copied by fans.
Online personalities shape opinions, trends and behaviours through their content and lifestyle choices.
Symbolic models can be particularly powerful because they're often presented in an idealised way. They might seem more attractive, successful, or confident than real people in our lives, making us more likely to want to copy them.
This type of model involves learning through spoken or written descriptions of behaviour, rather than observing the behaviour directly. Someone tells us how to behave or what to do and we learn from these instructions.
Verbal instruction models work by providing step-by-step guidance or rules for behaviour. They're particularly useful for learning complex skills or understanding social rules that might not be obvious from observation alone.
Examples of Verbal Instruction Models:
Not all models have the same impact. Several factors determine how likely we are to learn from a particular model:
We're more likely to copy models who are similar to us in age, gender, or background. This is why peer influence is so strong during adolescence.
High-status models (celebrities, successful people, authority figures) are more influential because we want to achieve their success.
Physically attractive or charismatic models are more likely to be copied because we find them appealing and want to be like them.
Public health campaigns often use different types of models to discourage smoking. Live models include real people sharing their stories about quitting. Symbolic models might be celebrities in anti-smoking adverts. Verbal instruction models include health warnings and advice from doctors. The most effective campaigns combine all three types to maximise impact.
Understanding types of models helps us see how social learning works in everyday situations:
Teachers use themselves as live models when demonstrating experiments or problem-solving techniques. They use symbolic models through educational videos and case studies. Verbal instruction models include explanations, textbooks and step-by-step guides.
Parents serve as live models through their daily behaviour. They use symbolic models by choosing appropriate TV shows and books for their children. Verbal instruction models include family rules, explanations of right and wrong and guidance about social situations.
Advertisers carefully choose models to promote products. They use attractive celebrities (symbolic models), real customer testimonials (live models) and persuasive descriptions (verbal instruction models) to influence consumer behaviour.
Learning to drive involves all three types of models. Live models include driving instructors and experienced drivers we observe. Symbolic models might be characters in films or TV shows who demonstrate driving behaviour. Verbal instruction models include the Highway Code, driving theory and spoken instructions from instructors. This combination helps learners understand both the practical and theoretical aspects of driving.
Understanding types of models has important implications for how we think about learning and behaviour change:
Positive Applications:
Potential Concerns:
By understanding how different types of models work, we can make better choices about who and what we allow to influence us and others. This knowledge is particularly important for parents, teachers and anyone working with young people who are still developing their sense of identity and appropriate behaviour.