Social Learning Theory: its application in the context of nurse education

Cognitive theories are fundamental to enable problem solving and the abilit y to understand and apply principles in a variety of situations. This artic le looks at Social Learning Theory, critically analysing its principles, wh ich are based on observational learning and modelling, and considering its value and application in the context of nurse education. It also considers the component processes that will determine the outcome of observed behavio ur, other than reinforcement, as identified by Bandura, namely: attention, retention, motor reproduction, and motivation. (C) 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.