Social Cognitive Learning Theory

What factors influence learning? Environmental examples Cognitive

General Principles Learning occurs from watching others Learning can occur without a change in behavior (Observation without imitation) Consequences of behavior play a role in learning Cognition plays a role in learning

Social Cognitive Perspective on Reinforcement and Punishment As with behaviorism, R & P are environmental factors that shape behavior Behavior is learned through observation & then expressed (imitated) through modeling

Cognitive Factors Cognitive processing (thinking) is occurring during learning Attention to actions Mental rehearsal of actions Develop verbal and visual representations of actions

Cognitive Factors (cont.) Expectations About outcomes of the behavior About ability to perform successfully (self-efficacy beliefs) Awareness of Contingencies Realization that the behavior is related to certain punishment OR reinforcement. Leads to increase of decrease in frequency in behavior

Cognitive Factors (cont.) Self-Efficacy Beliefs Beliefs about one’s ability or capacity to execute a behavior successfully Influences several aspects of behavior, including Choice of activities Goals Effort and persistence Learning and achievement

Observational Learning Or Modeling Learning that occurs through watching the behavior of others

R & P & Modeling Observer reinforced by model Observer reinforced by 3rd person Imitation or modeling itself leads to reinforcement What happens to the model affects observer’s behavior (vicarious consequences)

What’s going on here?

The Effects of Modeling on the Observer Teaches new behaviors Influences frequency of previously learned behaviors Increases the frequency of similar behaviors Encourage previously forbidden behaviors

Characteristics of Effective Models The model Is competent Has prestige and power Behaves in ways that are consistent with the observer’s gender identification Exhibits behavior relevant to the observer’s situation

Your Turn: Dangerous Minds Videoclip Look for Models What characteristics do they have? Look for reinforcers for the models AND for the observers