Chapter 9

Social Learning Theories: Albert Bandura, Julian Rotter, Walter Mischel

Albert Bandura (Born 1925)

Born in small town in Alberta, Canada B.A. in Psychology from University of British Columbia in Vancouver Graduate degrees from University of Iowa Career based at Stanford University APA president, Gold Medal Award for Life Achievement in the science of Psychology

An Agentic Perspective
Viewed people as agents, or originators, of experience Human agency is the ability to act and make things happen Agency entails
Intentionality Forethought Self-reactiveness Self-reflectiveness

Triadic Reciprocal Causation

Learning Through Observation

Behavior learned through observation either intentionally or accidentally Observational learning = learning through process of following a model Almost any behavior can be learned without direct experience

Consequences
Parents need to be careful with what they do or say. Children see it all! Sparked research on violence in TV and Video games Smoking Moral Disengagement

From Reinforcement to Self-Regulation

Processes
Attention, Retention, Motor Ability, Motivation

Influencing Factors
Characteristics of model and of observer Reinforcements

Reinforcements
Extrinsic Intrinsic Vicarious Self-reinforcement

Self-Efficacy
A central mechanism of personal agency and self-regulation Refers to belief that we can successfully perform behaviors that will produce desired effects Plays a central role in governing our thoughts, motivations, and actions Arises from past accomplishments and changes throughout our lives

Psychotherapy and Behavior Modification

Behavioral modification = systematic use of modeling as an aid of changing behaviors Therapeutic strategies designed to help patients improve their perception over their own effectiveness through guided mastery experiences Encourages the use of contemporary technologies to modify behavior

Evaluating Banduras Theory

Strongly emphasizes experimental research Reintroduces internal variables to learning perspectives Views psychology as an integrated discipline, studying complex interrelationships among biological, intrapersonal, interpersonal, and sociocultural factors

Julian Rotter (1916 -2014)

Internal versus external control
Locus of control = belief that lifes outcomes are controlled either by ones own behavior or outside forces External locus of control Internal locus of control I-E scale measures individuals perception of control

Predicting Behavior
Rotters Cognitive Social Learning Approach:
Behavior potential Expectancy Reinforcement value Psychological Situation

Walter Mischel (Born 1930)

Behavioral specificity = an individuals behavior is determined by the specific situation Stirred the pot of personality researchers