Social Cognitive Theory I

Basic Assumptions

Modeling


Historical Development

n          Albert Bandura, 1977, 1986

n          Limitations of behaviorism and Freud et al.

n          Originally called observational learning theory (Bandura & Walters, 1963)

n          Renamed SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY because

n         especially applicable to learning social behaviors

n         observations were usually of other people

n          Renamed SOCIAL COGNITIVE THEORY because

n         Cognitive processes mediate social learning


Social Cognitive Theory

n    Principles of reinforcement and punishment from behaviorism +

n    People learn by watching others +

n    Cognitive processes mediate social learning


Social Cognitive Theory

n     Behaviorism

 

n     E > B

 

n     B = f (P, E)

n     Triadic Reciprocality


Social Cognitive Theory: 
Basic Assumptions

n     Assumption 1: People can learn by watching others

n     Example:

   Spend 2 minutes talking with your neighbor about things that can be learned by watching others.


Social Cognitive Theory

n     Assumption 2:  Learning is an internal process that may or may not change behavior

n     Example:

We often learn things in media like tv and movies that do not affect our behaviors in any way.  We know but we don’t do.


Social Cognitive Theory

n     Assumption 3:  Behavior is directed toward particular goals

n     Example:

   Why are you taking this course?  What goals will it help you attain?


Social Cognitive Theory

n      Assumption 4:  Behavior eventually becomes self-regulated

 

n      Definition:  Self-regulated behavior is initiated, monitored, and evaluated by the individual to accomplish his/her own goals

n      Comparison with Behaviorism

n     Behaviorists believe things happen to people and that they are controlled by external stimuli and standards.

n     Social Cognitive Theorists believe people set their own goals and standards and can learn to control their learning and behavior.


Social Cognitive Theory

n     Assumption 5:  Reinforcement and punishment have indirect effects as well as direct ones

n      Example: Expectations formed on the basis of prior experience with reinforcement may influence behavior more than current reinforcers

n      Explanation:  People’s beliefs influence the effects of reinforcers


Looking Ahead . . .

n    Social Cognitive Theory II

n    Chapter 10 pages 450-469

n    Focus (write on syllabus for 3a)

n    Self-efficacy

n    Self-regulation

n    Diversity from a Social Cognitive Perspective


Social Cognitive Theory

Modeling


How Modeling Affects Behavior


Four Conditions for Observational Learning

n    Attention

n    Retention

n    Motor Reproduction

n    Motivation

 

n    Mnemonic:  ARMM                                                                                                              (Bandura, 1977; 1986)


Application Activity

n     With a partner

n    Choose a grade level and

n    Develop an example of how you might use modeling to facilitate learning at that grade level.

n    Show how you will ensure that the four conditions for observational learning will be met

n     Left side = math

n     Middle = language arts

n     Right side  = science


Research Evidence: 
Modeling Learning
(Schunk, 1999)

n    Cognitive modeling (Schunk, 1981)

 

n    Coping vs. mastery models (Schunk & Hanson, 1985; Schunk, Hanson, & Cox, 1987)

 

n    Self-modeling (Schunk & Hanson, 1989)


Cognitive Modeling


Coping vs. Mastery Models


Self-Modeling


Social Cognitive Theory II

Self-Efficacy

Self-Regulation


Review of Basic Assumptions

n    Learning occurs by observing

n    Learning is internal

n    Behavior is goal-directed

n    Behavior can be self-regulated

n    Reinforcement has indirect as well as direct effects


Major Concepts

n    Observational Learning

n    Learning by observing models

n    Self-Efficacy

n    Belief that you are capable of learning and/or performing specific tasks

n    Self-Regulation

n    Monitoring and evaluating progress toward self-selected goals


Self-Efficacy

n     Research conducted by social cognitive theorists (Bandura, Schunk, Zimmerman) has demonstrated that self-efficacy affects . . .

n    Choice of activities (e.g. high school course selection)

n    Effort and persistence (especially when obstacles are encountered)

n    Learning and achievement (task success)

n     Self-efficacy is a mediating, “Person” variable in the triadic reciprocity model


Factors in the Development of Self-Efficacy

n    Educational Psychologists

n    Previous learning experiences

n    Messages from others

n    Observations of others

n    Sports Psychologists

n    Self-talk

n    Visualization

n    Mastering challenges


Self-Regulation

   Learning to set and achieve meaningful goals

Components of Self-Regulated Behavior


Encouraging Self-Regulated Learning in the Classroom


What kind of goals are most effective?

DESIGN:  High school girls received process or product dart-throwing instructions.

Process goals = focused on strategy execution

Outcome goals = focused on getting points

RESULTS:  Examined effects of goal type on achievement, self-efficacy, and interest.

   Novices did better with process goals.

   Experienced players did better with outcome goals.

(Zimmerman & Kitsantas, 1996, 1997)


Educational Application:  Independent Study

n           Selecting a topic and a medium for sharing

n           Developing an independent study contract

n           Researching the topic

n           Developing a product

n           Sharing learning with others

n           Self-evaluating the process or product


Self-Regulation for Diverse Learners

n     Strategies

n    Model and teach self-regulation strategies

n    Praise small successes

n    Elicit self-determined goals

n    Help them set realistic goals

n     Students with ADHD

n    Problems with sustained attention

n    Impulsive

n    High need for mobility

n    Difficulties managing time


Self-Regulation for Diverse Learners

n     Strategies

n    Provide challenging classes

n    Encourage independent study

n    Accelerate progress in talent areas

n    Provide opportunities to learn to cope constructively with failure

 

n     Academically Talented High School Students

n    May not be sufficiently challenged

n    High self-regulation skills


Self-Regulation for Diverse Learners

n      Strategies

n     Help students identify and develop areas of strength

n     Adapt and scaffold instruction in areas of weakness

n     Help students learn to monitor and evaluate their progress relative to themselves, not others

n     Teach study skills

 

 

n     Students with Specific Academic Learning Disabilities

n    Low self-efficacy for tasks in area of disability

n    Need more time and/or differentiated instruction to learn in area of disability


Looking Ahead :  Cognitive Psychology

n    Information Processing Theory

n    Knowledge Construction

n    Thinking

n    Cognitive Development

n    Domain Specific Learning


Looking Ahead :  Next Time

n    Introduction to Cognitive Psychology

n    Chapter 6

n    Topics

n    Basic Assumptions of Cognitive Psychology

n    Information Processing Model of Human Memory