With reference to one study, explain social cognitive theory.

Introduction

According to the Social Cognitive Theory, behaviour is learned by observational learning, which involves emulating models and their actions, as well as contextual influences.

Theory

According to Bandura, social cognitive learning involves four key cognitive components:

• Attention

• Retention

• Motivation

• Potential (self-efficacy)

Attention

• The learner must pay attention to the model in order to learn the behavior.

• Factors influencing attention include the appeal, authority, and desirability of the model.

Retention

• Refers to the observer’s ability to recall the behavior they have observed.

• The behavior can then be imitated immediately or later.

Motivation

• Learners must want to replicate the behavior.

• This depends on outcome expectancies — understanding the potential rewards or consequences of repeating the behavior.

Potential

• Observers must be physically and/or intellectually capable of performing the behavior.

• Self-efficacy refers to one’s belief in their ability to carry out the behavior successfully.

• People with high self-efficacy are more likely to tackle challenges confidently and recover quickly from setbacks.

• People with low self-efficacy are more fearful of failure and less likely to imitate the model.

Additional factors influencing imitation

• Model consistency: Observers are more likely to imitate models who act consistently across situations.

• Identification with the model: Observers are more likely to imitate models who are similar to themselves (e.g., in age or gender).

• Model liking: Observers are more likely to imitate models they like or admire.

Bandura et al (1961) - Aim

To investigate whether aggression can be learned by observing others and whether the sex of the role model was vital.

Bandura et al (1961) - Hypothesis

1. Observed aggressive behavior will be imitated

2. Observed non-aggressive behavior will be imitated

3. Children are more likely to copy a same-sex model

4. Boys will be more likely to copy aggression than girls.

Bandura et al (1961) - Method 2

• Participants: 72 children aged 3–6 years from the Stanford University nursery.

• Sampling method: Opportunity sampling.

• Pre-experiment procedure:

  • Children were rated on aggression using a 4 five-point scale.

  • Children were assigned to 3 groups, matched for aggression levels.

Bandura et al (1961) - Method 2

• Experimental conditions:

  • Group 1 (aggressive condition): Observed an adult behaving aggressively toward a Bobo doll (e.g., kicking, hitting, using objects to smash the doll).

  • Group 2 (non-aggressive condition): Observed an adult assembling toys.

  • Group 3 (control group): Did not observe any model.

• Post-observation procedure:

  • Children were taken individually into a room with a Bobo doll.

  • Their behavior was observed to assess imitation of the model.

Bandura et al (1961) - Results

Results showed that children in group 1 (who saw the aggressive model) were more likely to behave aggressively towards the bobo doll, imitating the adult model they had observed. Imitation was greater for boys as they were more likely to imitate physical aggression while girls were more likely to imitate verbal aggression. For non-aggressive play, girls played with dolls and boys played with guns.

Link

• Support for Social Cognitive Theory (SCT):

  • The study demonstrates that behavior can be learned by observing others.

  • Learners choose which behaviors to imitate.

  • Behaviors that are rewarded are more likely to be repeated, while behaviors that are punished are less likely to be repeated.

Role of model identification

• Behavior is more likely to be imitated when there is identification with the model.

• Example: Boys imitated aggression more when the model was male.

Role of attention and cultural relevance:

• Individuals are more likely to pay attention to models they identify with (e.g., culturally or socially).

• Even if the model is a stranger, people imitate those they most identify with, especially when no strong cultural expectations exist.