Albert Bandura

[Ready for Fall 2026]

Modified: 2026-08-03 12:24 PM CDST

• Bandura extended behavioral theory by emphasizing the role of imitation and modelling in learning.
  • Modeling is a complex consisting of: attention, retention, motor skills, and motivation.
  • Models can be live, symbolic, and verbal.
  • Reinforcement, both direct and vicarious played a major role in whether modelled behaviors were performed those viewing them.
  • Bandura concentrated on the modelling of aggressive behaviors because of the obvious external validity of interventions in that area.
  • Also, aggressive behaviors are seen in all cultures.
• Bandura's early research with the 'Bobo' doll and modelling opened up a new area of research into the effects of aggressive models.
• Late in his life, Bandura worked on self-efficacy.
  • "An individual’s subjective perception of their capability to perform in a given setting or to attain desired results, proposed by Albert Bandura as a primary determinant of emotional and motivational states and behavioral change." (APA Dictionary of Psychology)
• In terms of developmental theorizing, Bandura opposed to Piagetian models of development, believing that modelling and the environment play a far greater role in learning than internal variables.

Comments

• In many ways, Bandura represents the apex of behavioral theorizing.
• He extended the simpler models of Skinner and others to imitation learning.
• Compared to other developmental theorists (Piaget, Kohlberg, Rousseau), Bandura emphasized the role of the environment and attempted to provide a model for analyzing the environment's effects.