Social Cognitive Theory Overview

Questions and Answers

Explain the social cognitive theory.

The social cognitive theory assumes that humans learn behavior through observational learning, and we do not need positive reinforcement to continue our behavior; we just need the model to be rewarded or punished for their behavior.

What are the 3 factors involved in the social cognitive theory?

Attention, Retention, and Motivation.

What are the factors that influence motivation when learning behavior?

Consistency, identification with the model, and liking the model.

What is self-efficacy?

Self-efficacy is one's belief in their ability to succeed in accomplishing a task. Signup and view all the answers

What was the aim of Bandura's study?

To see if children would imitate aggression modelled by an adult, and to determine if children were more likely to imitate same-sex models. Signup and view all the answers

What was the procedure of Bandura's study?

Children aged 3-6 years were divided into groups based on aggression levels. They observed either aggressive or non-aggressive adult models and were then placed in a room with toys followed by a Bobo doll after experiencing frustration. Signup and view all the answers

What were the results of Bandura's study?

Children who observed aggressive models were significantly more aggressive, both physically and verbally. Signup and view all the answers

What was the aim of Gergely's study?

To investigate if younger children, as young as 14 months old, can learn or acquire behavior through observational learning. Signup and view all the answers

What was the procedure of Gergely's study?

The experiment involved 14-month infants observing an adult perform actions in two conditions: one where hands were free and another where hands were occupied. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Social Cognitive Theory posits that behavior is learned through observational learning.
Emphasizes vicarious reinforcement, where individuals learn from models who are rewarded or punished, rather than through direct reinforcement.

Key Factors in Learning Behavior

Attention: Essential for learning; influenced by model's attractiveness, authority, and desirability of behavior.
Retention: Requires the observer to recall the observed behavior for later reproduction.
Motivation: Involves the desire to imitate behavior, shaped by an understanding of potential outcomes (outcome expectancy).

Influences on Motivation and Imitation

Consistency: Models that demonstrate consistent behaviors across situations are more likely to be imitated.
Identification with the Model: People are more inclined to imitate models with similar characteristics, such as age or gender.
Liking the Model: Warm and approachable models are more likely to be imitated compared to distant or unkind ones.

Self-Efficacy

Self-efficacy refers to an individual's belief in their ability to succeed in tasks.
Higher self-efficacy correlates with a greater likelihood of overcoming challenges and imitating learned behaviors.

Bandura's Study Aim

The purpose was to determine if children would mimic aggression displayed by adults and if they were more inclined to imitate same-sex models.

Bandura's Study Procedure

Participants: 36 boys and 36 girls aged 3-6, grouped by aggression levels.
Experimental Setup: Groups observed either aggressive or non-aggressive adult models, while a control group saw no model at all.
Interaction with Bobo Doll: Following observation, children faced frustration before interacting with the Bobo doll to observe potential aggression.

Bandura's Study Results

Children exposed to aggressive models displayed significantly more physical and verbal aggression.
Observational learning was evident, with children showing a preference for imitating same-sex models, particularly in aggression styles.

Gergely's Study Aim

Aimed to explore whether infants as young as 14 months could learn behaviors through observational learning.

Gergely's Study Procedure

Participants: 14-month-old infants observed adults in two conditions.
Hands-Free Condition: Adult used her forehead to activate a box after placing her hands on a table.
Hands-Occupied Condition: Adult held a blanket while performing the same action to illuminate the box.

Description

Explore the key components of Social Cognitive Theory, which highlights how behavior is learned through observation and reinforcement. This quiz addresses factors essential for learning, such as attention, retention, and motivation, as well as the influences on imitation. Test your understanding of how models impact behavior in social contexts.