Social Learning Theory - or - Social Cognitive Theory

Theory Summary

In Social Learning Theory, human behaviour is explained in terms of a three-way, dynamic, reciprocal theory in which personal factors, environmental influences, and behavior continually interact. A basic premise of Social Learning Theory is that people learn not only through their own experiences, but also by observing the actions of others and the results of those actions. In the 1970s, Albert Bandura published a comprehensive framework for understanding human behaviour, based on a cognitive formulation which he named the Social Cognitive Theory. That framework is currently the dominant version used in health behaviour and health promotion; however, it is still often referred to as Social Learning Theory.

Concept	Definition	Application
Reciprocal Determinism	Behaviour changes result from interaction between person and environment; change is bi-directional	Involve the individual and relevant others; work to change the environment, if warranted
Behavioral Capability	Knowledge and skills to influence behavior	Provide information and training about action
Expectations	Beliefs about likely results of action	Incorporate information about likely results of action in advice
Self-Efficacy	Confidence in ability to take action and persist in action	Point out strengths; use persuasion and encouragement; approach behaviour change in small steps
Observational Learning	Beliefs based on observing others like self and/or physical results	Point out others' experience, physical visible changes; identify role models to emulate
Reinforcement	Responses to a person's behaviour that increase or decrease the chances of recurrence	Provide incentives, rewards, praise; encourage self-reward; decrease possibility of negative responses that deter positive changes

Placed on the Communication Initiative site July 29 2003
Last Updated July 29 2003

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Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 1999-11-30 00:00.

helped me understand the concepts and how they are applied. also showed me different names used for social learning theory. thanks.

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 1999-11-30 00:00.

perfectfoer what I was looking for

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 1999-11-30 00:00.

was crappy

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 1999-11-30 00:00.

grids are always helpful. printed page will be posted on board above my desk for quick references.

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 2004-11-04 13:06.

Very helpful and specifc to my needs!

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 2004-11-16 11:05.

this page [is bad] because it has almost no detailed information and its just the basics

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 2005-01-18 06:29.

Mopre could be said on behalf of hte pros and cons of change theory

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 2005-04-13 06:42.

I am a Human Services/Psychology Major preparing a presentation on Cognitive Socila Learning for a Personality Theories class.This is a great site. Thanks.

Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 2005-11-26 18:31.

too brief, ask jeeves search said that you mentioned strengths of social learning theory and it isn't on the page

Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 2006-03-12 16:46.

Thanks for this page. I definately was able to write a report using only this site as guidance.

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Social Learning Theory - or - Social Cognitive Theory

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