ALBERT BANDURA SOCIAL COGNITIVE THEORY

Social Cognitive Theory

emphasizes that learning occurs in a social context and that much of what is learned is gained through observation.

Bobo Doll experiment

confirmed that people learn/ imitate behaviors that they observe (or have observed) in other people.

Observational Learning

• occurs either intentionally or accidentally

• done through imitation or modeling.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MODEL

• We are more likely to be influenced by someone who we believe is similar to ourselves rather than by someone who is different.

• According to research, people who are physically attractive influence more people.

ATTRIBUTES OF THE OBSERVER

• People who are lacking in self-esteem or who are incompetent are especially prone to follow the structure and style of the model.

• A highly motivated individual will also emulate a model in order to master a desired behavior.

• Reward consequences associated with the behavior

• Participants are more likely to emulate a behavior if they believe that such actions will lead to positive short- or -long term results

EXTRINSIC REINFORCEMENT

• Being rewarded with objects and stuff

-Example: Winning a competition and being rewarded with a medal

INTRINSIC REINFORCEMENT

• Being rewarded by the feedback or the outcome of the behavior done

-Example: Playing a difficult piece of music well leads to feeling of accomplishment

• *self-satisfaction

VICARIOUS REINFORCEMENT

• Is learning by observing others

• If people can learn by watching, they must be focusing their attention, construct images, remember, analyze, and make decisions that affect learning.

- Example: A child who sees a sibling being spanked for a misdemeanor quickly learns not to do the same thing.

SELF- REINFORCEMENT

• Controlling your own reinforces

• This reinforcement is important for both students and teachers

• We want our students to improve not because it leads to external rewards, but because the students value and enjoy their growing competence

-Example: One runner might be satisfied by completing a mile in five minutes; another would want to finish it in less time