Learning, Knowledge and Human Development MOOC’s Updates

Social Cognitivism

Social cognitivism, also known as social cognitive theory, is a learning theory developed by Albert Bandura. It emphasizes the importance of observing, modeling, and imitating the behaviors, attitudes, and emotional reactions of others. Here are some key aspects of social cognitivism:

Observational Learning: People can learn new behaviors by watching others. This is also known as modeling. For example, children often learn social behaviors by observing their parents or peers.

Reciprocal Determinism: This concept suggests that a person’s behavior is influenced by personal factors, environmental factors, and the behavior itself. These three factors interact and influence each other.

Self-Efficacy: This refers to an individual’s belief in their ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task. Higher self-efficacy can lead to greater motivation and persistence.

Cognitive Processes: Social cognitive theory incorporates cognitive processes such as attention, memory, and motivation. It suggests that people are not passive recipients of information but actively process and interpret their experiences.

Behavioral Reinforcement: While observing others, individuals also learn about the consequences of behaviors. Positive reinforcement can encourage the repetition of a behavior, while negative reinforcement can discourage it.