PP1 L7: Social-cognitive learning theories

Social-cognitive learning theories

Theories that emphasize the role of social influence and observational learning in behavior and personality development.

Behaviorism and personality

Personal is shaped by reinforcements and consequences outside the organism

Learning

A relatively permanent change in behavior brought about by experience.

B. F. Skinner

A strict behaviorist who believed that environment solely shapes behavior through reinforcement.

Classical conditioning

Learning that occurs when a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a stimulus that naturally produces a behavior.

Little Albert experiment

An experiment demonstrating fear conditioning in which a child associates a neutral stimulus (a white rat) with an unconditioned stimulus (loud noise) resulting in a conditioned response (fear).

Operant conditioning

A type of learning where behavior is strengthened or weakened by the consequences that follow it.

Reinforcement

A process that increases the likelihood of a behavior by providing a consequence that is valued; can be positive (adding a desirable stimulus) or negative (removing an unpleasant stimulus).

Punishment

A process that decreases the likelihood of a behavior by providing a consequence that is undesirable; can be positive (adding an unpleasant stimulus) or negative (removing a desirable stimulus).

Reciprocal determinism

The concept that personality is shaped through a dynamic interaction between personal factors, behavior, and the environment.

Observational learning personality

personality develops as a result of observing and imitating the behavior of others and it’s consequences.

How do we choose whether to imitate or not the model’s behavior?

Depends on whether we see the model being reinforced or punished

Steps of observational learning

Attention, retention, reproduction + motivation

Self-efficacy

An individual's belief in their ability to successfully accomplish tasks or achieve goals.

High self-efficacy

Associated with greater persistence, effort, and resilience in the face of challenges.

Low self-efficacy

Can lead to feelings of helplessness and avoidance of tasks.

Locus of control (Julian Rotter)

The degree to which individuals believe they can control events affecting them

Internal locus of control

Tends to be more proactive, persistent, and capable of coping with challenges.

External locus of control

Tends to be more passive and susceptible to stress and learned helplessness.