Social cognitive theory

• Social Cognitive Theory (SCT)


  Social Cognitive Theory, formerly known as Social Learning Theory, posits that humans learn behaviors through observational learning, which involves watching models and imitating their behavior. This process does not require direct reinforcement; vicarious reinforcement (seeing a model rewarded or punished) suffices.
• Attention


  • The learner must pay attention to the model to learn the behavior.
• Key Components of Social Cognitive Theory (SCT)

  Attention

  Retention

  Motivation

  Potential
• Retention


  • The observer must be able to remember the behavior to reproduce it later.
  • Mechanisms:
  • Mental Rehearsal: Repeating the behavior mentally.
  • Symbolic Coding: Creating a mental image or a verbal description of the behavior.
• Motivation


  • The learner must have a reason or willingness to replicate the observed behavior.
  • Factors:
  • Outcome Expectancies: Understanding the potential outcomes if the behavior is repeated.
  • Vicarious Reinforcement: Observing the model being rewarded or punished for the behavior and deciding to imitate or avoid based on those outcomes.
• Potential


  • The observer must have the physical and/or mental capability to reproduce the behavior.
  • Self-Efficacy:
  • Belief in Ability: Confidence in one’s own ability to successfully perform the behavior.
  • Role in Imitation: High self-efficacy increases the likelihood of attempting and successfully replicating the behavior.
• Factors Influencing Imitation


  1. Model consistency
  2. Identification with model
  3. Liking the model
• Additional Concepts of SCT


  • Vicarious Reinforcement
  • Self-Efficacy
• Factors influencing the Attention

  • Attractiveness of the Model: More attractive models are more likely to capture attention.
  • Authority of the Model: Models with perceived authority or expertise are more influential.
  • Desirability of the Behavior: Behaviors deemed desirable are more likely to attract attention.
• Self-Efficacy

  • One’s belief in their capability to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments.
  • High self-efficacy leads to increased effort and persistence in replicating behaviors observed in models.
• Vicarious Reinforcement


  • Learning through the observation of consequences for others’ behaviors (rewards or punishments).
  • Influences whether the observer decides to replicate the behavior.
• Consistency

  • A model’s consistent behavior across different situations increases the likelihood of imitation.
  • A model who is consistently brave in various scenarios.
• Identification with the Model

  • Observers are more inclined to imitate models who share similarities with them.
  • Age, gender, interests, or cultural background.
• Liking the Model


  • Models who are warm, friendly, and likable are more likely to be imitated.
  • Positive feelings towards the model enhance imitation.