Exploring Social Cognitive Theory

Throughout history, we have come across all kinds of theories that tend to shed light on a particular concept or so. It may talk about human behaviour, and it may also talk about any other subject in particular. Due to that, theories have always gained a lot of prominences, and one such theory that moves along the same definition is social cognitive theory. Since it holds the ground of importance, it is quite obvious that you need to know such stuff. So here’s a brief take on social cognitive theory.

Introduction

Social Cognitive Theory wasn’t always referred to by the same name because it initially came forward to be known as the Social Learning Theory that was developed by Albert Bandura. Later in 1986, it evolved into a dynamic concept and helped the world study Social Cognitive Theory. As a unique theory, it focuses on social influence and its emphasis on the external and internal parts of social reinforcement. As a result, it considers the manner in which individuals acquire and maintain behaviour, keeping in mind the environment in which they perform the same.

Due to the theory’s extensive line of focus, it tends to involve an individual’s past experiences and how it forms an influence for the path ahead. So by the end of it, people will be aware of the right kind of results and how well the theory fits in to make sense for the better.

The Goal

The main goal of SCT is to explain how people tend to regulate their behaviour through reinforcement and control in order to achieve a goal-directed behaviour that moves along to be maintained over time. Since the theory evolved into something dynamic and different, the constructs that it follows are quite essential and helps one to stay focused on the given subject. So without further ado, here are the five constructs of SCT.

1. Behavioural Capability – it tends to refer to an individual’s ability to perform a behaviour through the use of knowledge and skills.
2. Observational Learning – it tends to refer and assert the fact that people can witness and observe a behaviour that is conducted by others and then move ahead to reproduce those very actions.
3. Reciprocal Determinism – known as the central concept of SCT, reciprocal determinism refers to the dynamic and reciprocal interaction of an individual, environment, and behaviour.
4. Expectations & Self-efficacy – while expectations refer to the anticipated consequences of an individual’s behaviour, self-efficacy refers to the level of an individual’s confidence with their ability to successfully perform a particular behaviour.
5. Reinforcements – the internal or external response to an individual’s behaviour tends to affect the likelihood of either continuing or discontinuing the behaviour.