Social Cognitive Theory

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts from Social Cognitive Theory.

Reciprocal Determinism

The key concept of Social Cognitive Theory, indicating that behavior, personal factors, and environmental factors interact and can influence each other.

Self-efficacy

Belief in one's ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task.

Observational learning

Learning that occurs by watching the actions of others and the outcomes of those actions.

Expectations

Anticipated outcomes of a behavior, influenced by past experiences and observations in similar situations.

Expectancies

The values placed on the outcomes of behaviors, determining how individuals perceive good/bad, positive/negative consequences.

Behavioral capability

Understanding and possessing the skills necessary to perform a behavior.

Reinforcement

The process of encouraging or establishing a behavior through rewards (positive reinforcement) or avoiding punishment (negative reinforcement).

Locus of Control

The degree to which individuals believe they have control over the outcomes of events in their lives.

Self-regulation

The ability to monitor and manage one’s own energy, emotions, and behaviors positively.

Behavioral capability

Having the knowledge and the skills to perform a behavior.