Comparing Social Learning and Classical Conditioning
- definition:
Social Learning Theory emphasizes the importance of observing and modeling others and requires attention, retention, motor reproduction, and motivation from learners.
Classical Conditioning Theory emphasizes response through repeated stimulus from the environment and involves unconditioned stimulus, conditioned stimulus, unconditioned response and conditioned.
Differences between Social Learning and Classical Conditioning
• Social Learning-relationship development important
• Classical Conditioning-relationship not necessary
• Social learning-involves observation and does not require the learner to actually experience event
• Classical Conditioning-reflexive and automatic; more mechanical in nature
Similarities between Social Learning and Classical Conditioning
• Behaviorist theories; learning can occur unintentionally
• Involve learning by positive and negative consequences
• Require motivation of some kind and involve reinforcement and repetition
• Form a foundation on which to build more learning but both can lose effectiveness without reinforcement
• Neither addresses biological factors that might affect learning
Application
Application for interview presentation will consist of classical conditioning and will include unconditioned stimulus, conditioned stimulus, unconditioned response, and conditioned response. Aspects of social learning are evident when learner attention is gained; reinforcement takes place, and behavior is observed and modeled.
Social Learning and Classical Conditioning Theories share similarities and both have demonstrated success. The instructional analysis would determine which theory might be the preferred tool.