Albert Bandura (Modeling Theory)

Life of Bandura (Summary)

-Born in Canada

-Polish immigrant parents stressed education

-1980 APA Distinguished scientific contribution award

-2006 APA Gold medal award for lifetime achievement

What is Modeling?

-A behavior modification technique that involves observing the behaviors of others (models) and participating with them in performing the desired behavior

-Verbal modeling can induce behaviors

-Basis of observational learning

-Ex. BoBo doll experiment

What are the 3 factors of the modeling situation?

1.Characteristic of the model=(similarity to self, age, sex, status, prestige)

2.Characteristic of the observer=(Self-Confidence, Self-Esteem)

3.Rewards associated with behaviors=(Meaningful rewards)

What is Observational learning?

-Learning new behaviors through the observation of others

What is Vicarious reinforcement?

-Learning or strengthening a behavior by observing the behavior and consequences of others rather than experiencing them ourselves

Bobo Doll Study

-Child 2x as likely to act violently after witnessing violence

-Child's behavior reflects parents behaviors

What is Disinhibition?

-The weakening of inhibitions (impulses) or constraints by observing the behavior of a model

-Ex. Riot Effect on people's behavior

What are the 4 mechanisms of Observational learning?

1.Attentional Processes

2.Retention Processes

3.Production Processes

4.Incentive and Motivational Processes

What is Self-Efficacy?

-Our belief in our abilities and skills

What are the 4 sources of information about Self-Efficacy?

1.Performance Attainment=(I've done this before)

2.Vicarious Experience=(I've seen someone do this before)

3.Verbal Persuasion=(You can do it!)

4.Physiological and emotional arousal=(Preparation, proper diet, stress reduction)

What is Verbal Persuasion?

-Reminding people that they possess the ability to achieve whatever they want to achieve

-Cheering them on, "nothing's impossible"

What occurs during middle adulthood according to Bandura?

-Stressful because people reevaluate their careers, family, and social lives (mid-life crisis: similar)

-As we confront our limitations and redefine our goals, we must reassess our skills and find new opportunities for enhancing self-efficacy

What occurs during old age according to Bandura?

-There is a decline in mental and physical abilities

-Retirement from active work

-Withdrawal from social life

-The lowering of self-efficacy and self-confidence can affect performance negatively

-Maintaining Self-Efficacy is key

What is Triadic Reciprocity?

-The idea that behavior is determined through the interaction of 3 factors (Behavior, Cognitive processes, and environmental influences)