International Journal of Philosophy and Theology
September 2014, Vol. 2, No. 3, pp. 193-205
ISSN: 2333-5750 (Print), 2333-5769 (Online)
Copyright © The Author(s). 2014. All Rights Reserved.
Published by American Research Institute for Policy Development
DOI: 10.15640/ijpt.v2n3a13
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.15640/ijpt.v2n3a13
Biblical Perspectives on Albert Bandura Theory of Observational Learning
Adeoye, Ayodele, Olusegun
1
; Ojewole, Afolarin Olutunde
2
& Babalola, James
Adeyemi Oluwatoyin
3
Abstract
The social theories about behavioral modification, social learning, modeling,
mentoring, and such like have been of great interest to both physical and social
scientist over the ages. Albert Bandura built on existing theories with his
groundbreaking theory of observational learning. His theory suggests the existence
of four cognitive-mediational sub-processes comprising of attention, retention,
motor reproduction, and the incentive-motivational reinforcement. Bandura posits
that an individual can observe a model, covertly learn the new behavior, and decide
whether or not to exhibit the behavior depending on the consequences associated
with that behavior (Bandura, 1974). This theory needs to be further examined to
elucidate its biblical perspectives. This is the focus of this paper. The Christian
Scriptures suggest Bandura’s theory’s relevance in the area of children observational
learning, adult observational learning, and observational learning from nature and
the law.
Introduction
Professor Albert Bandura was Canadian Clinical Psychologist who became the
President of the American Psychological Association. He was an advocate of social
learning, being much influenced by the botanists. He agreed with Skinner that
behavior, either good or bad, is learnt (Haggblom, 2002).
1
PhD, Department of Student Support Service, Babcock University, Ilishan- Remo, Ogun State.
P.M.B. 21214, Ikeja, Lagos. Nigeria.
E mail: evangadeoye2002@ gmail.com
2
PhD, Department of Religious Studies, Babcock University, Ilishan- Remo, Ogun State. P.M.B.
21214, Ikeja, Lagos. Nigeria. E mail: aojewole@ msn.com
3
Department of Religious Studies, Babcock University, Ilishan- Remo, Ogun State, P.M.B. 21214,
Ikeja, Lagos. Nigeria.