Social Cognitive Theory: Vocab

Social Cognitive Theory

A theory developed by Albert Bandaranaike that emphasizes the dynamic interaction between individuals, their behavior, and their environment

Human agency

An individual’s capacity to initiate, influence, and control their actions and the outcomes of those actions

Observational learning

A process where individuals acquire new behaviors, skills, or attitudes by observing others

Reciprocal determinism

The theory that behavior, personal factors (like beliefs, attitudes, and cognitive processes), and the environment all interact and influence each other in a continuous cycle

Self-efficacy

The belief in one’s own ability to successfully complete a task or achieve a specific outcome

Factors affecting SCT: Social categorization

Individuals naturally categorize themselves and others into groups based on various factors like ethnicity, religion, profession, etc.

Factors affecting SCT: Social Comparison

Individuals compare their ingroup with other outgroups to assess their group’s status and value

Factors affecting SCT: Social Identification

Individuals develop a sense of belonging and identify with their ingroup, integrating their group membership into their self-concept