Social cognitive theory Flashcards
(13 cards)
Social cognitive learning theory
Assumes that humans learn behaviour through observational learning (people can learn by watching models and imitating their behaviour)
Vicarious reinforcement
an individual’s behaviour changes based on observing the consequences of another person’s actions, rather than experiencing them directly
Main cognitive factors of the theory (4)
Attention, retention, motivation, potential
Attention
In order to learn a behaviour, the learner must pay attention to the model (attractiveness of the model, the authority of the model, or the desirability of the behaviour)
Retention
The observer must be able to remember the behaviour that has been observed in order to produce that behaviour immediately or after some time
Motivation
Learners must want to replicate the behaviour that they have observed. (Must understand what the potential outcome is if they repeat the behaviour – outcome expectancies)
Potential
Observers must be physically or mentally able to carry out the behaviour (needs to be a certain level of self-efficacy)
Factors that influence whether the observer decides to imitate and learn (4)
Consistency, identification with the model, liking the model ability/self-efficacy
Consistency
If the model behaves in a way that is consistent across situations then the observer will be more likely to imitate the model
Identification with the model
Tendency to imitate models that are like us
Liking the model
Warm and friendly models are more likely to be imitated
Self-efficacy
One’s belief in one’s ability to successfully accomplish a task (learning is most likely to occur if the observer has high self-efficacy)
Modelling
Learning through the observation of other people
