Social Cognitive Theory (SCT)

Question 1

What does SCT suggest?

Answer 1

People learn by imitating the actions of others,
Behaviour is learned from the environment through the process of modelling and vicarious reinforcement

Question 2

What does modelling involve?

Answer 2

Learning through the observation of other people, which may lead to imitation if the behaviour to be imitated leads to desirable consequences

Question 3

What is vicarious reinforcement?

Answer 3

Watching to see if the behaviour is reinforced or punished. Through cognition, the observer receives vicarious reinforcement

Question 4

What are the four conditions to be met?

Answer 4

1. Attention (attend to behaviour)
2. Retention (remember behaviour)
3. Motivation (desire to reproduce; expectation of outcome)
4. Potential (physical/mental capability of reproduce)

Question 5

What are the factors affecting potential for learning?

Answer 5

Model stands out from others
Consistent behaviour (from model)
Model liked/respected
Perception of similarity (in-group)
Behaviour reinforced (of model)