1. Social Cognitive Learning Theory

2. What factors influence learning?
Environmental
examples
Cognitive

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. 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)

10. What’s going on here?

11. 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

12. 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

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