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

Personality is shaped by reinforcements, rewards and punishments

Learning

A relatively permanent change in behavior through experience and repetition

B F Skinner

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

Classical Conditioning

Learning that occurs when a neutral stimulus is being paired with a stimulus that produces a natural behavior

Operant conditioning

A type of learning where behavior is being strengthened or weakend through reinforcments

Reinforcement

A process that reinforces for a behavior to happen again by providing a consequence. It can be positive (adding something desirable) or negative (removing smth unpleasant)

Punishment

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

Reciprocal determinism

Personality is shapes through a dynamic interaction between personal factors, behavior and environment

Observational learning personality

Personality develops by observing and imitating behaviors of others and its consequences

How do we choose whether to imitate a behavior or not?

Depends on whether we see if the behavior is being reinforced or punished

Steps of observational learning

Attention, retention, reproduction and motivation

Self efficacy

A belief in owns ability to be efficient

Low locus of control

The degree in which people people they can control the events that are happening to them

What is the best kind of reinforcement with humans?

Social Reinforcement. So positive feedback, approval, recognition, verbal praise, affection etc

Neutral Stimulus

A stimulus that does not initially elicit a response (white rat)

Unconditioned stimulus

A stimulus that elicits a reflexive response (loud noise)

Unconditioned response

A natural reaction to given stimulus (fear)

Conditioned stimulus

Pairing the US with NS

Conditioned response

The response that happens after pairing the US with NS (fear when seeing the white rat since it reminds of loud noise)

Why is self efficacy important in social cognitive theories?

Self-efficacy is crucial because it empowers individuals to take action, persist through challenges, and learn from their environment. It’s the bridge between observing a behavior (social learning) and believing “I can do that too,” which is central to the social cognitive perspective.

Locus of control

Concept of locus of control has significant implication for behavior, motivation , deicsion making and overall wellbeing

Internal Locus of Control

Individuals with an internal locus of control tend to be more proactive, persistent and better able to cope with challenges. (You make things happen)(The outcome is within my direct control,it is determined by me)

External locus of control

Individuals with external locus of control are more passive and susceptible to stress and learned helplessness. (Things happen to you),(the outcome is outside my control. It is determined by fate )