Social Cognitive Theory Flashcards
What is social cognitive theory?
The theory that states that behavior is acquired through observation or imitation from other members of the individual’s group
What are the key ideas of social cognitive theory?
- behaviour and social norms are learned through observation of others
- these behaviours are acquired, maintained and changed in a social context.
What is reciprocal determinism?
Reciprocal determinism refers to the idea that an individual is both influenced by, and exerts an influence on, their environment.
What is reciprocal determinism?
Reciprocal determinism refers to the idea that an individual is both influenced by, and exerts an influence on, their environment.
What are the four components of SCT
- Identification
- Modelling
- Expectancies
- Self-efficacy
i
What is identification in SCT?
individuals are more likely to learn from observing others they identify with, like parents, siblings, peers, sports stars, movie stars and so on.
individual must identify with model
What is modelling in SCT?
Modelling is at the heart of social cognitive theory, as individuals learn behaviour through the observation of role models (detailed in 4.A.4). For example, an individual may learn efficient study habits from watching an older sibling doing homework.
individual must be able to observe behavior
What is expetancies?
Expectancies regarding outcomes also influence behaviour, as the individual considers the rewards and consequences associated with imitating a particular behaviour.
the behavior must be beneficial
what is self efficacy?
Self-efficacy refers to how able an individual feels to learn a particular behaviour, as a function of motivation, cognition and emotion.
individual must be capable of imitating behavior
STUDY: sherif (1935)
aim
To investigate conformity in an ambiguous (unclear) situation.
STUDY: sherif (1935)
method
This was a laboratory experiment to study conformity. Sherif used the visual illusion where a small spot of light in a dark room will appear to move, even though it is still.
It was discovered that when participants were individually tested, their estimates on how far the light moved varied considerably, from 20cm to 80cm.
The participants were then tested in groups of three. Sherif put together two people whose estimate of the light movement when alone was very similar, and one person whose estimate was very different. Each person in the group had to say aloud how far they thought the light had moved.
STUDY: sherif (1935)
link and conclusion
The person whose estimate of movement was greatly different from the other two in the group conformed to the view of the other two.
In an ambiguous situation, a person will look to others for guidance and will adopt the group norm. They want to do the right thing but may lack the appropriate information. Observing others can provide this information.
