Social Cognitive Theory

Social cognitive theory was first developed by the Canadian-American psychologist Albert Bandura (1925-). It is one of the most influential theories of human learning and development. Social cognitive theory is premised on the notion that humans learn by observing and reflecting upon the behaviors of role models. As such, the learner's internal mental state at the time of observation significantly shapes what is learned. What and how much is learned depends on the degree to which the learner is attentive to the events; learning is likely to be more focused when the role model behaves in intriguing ways, or when there is a novel aspect to what is being observed.
Differences in internal states in turn mean that the same observation may prompt rather different responses and lessons for different learners-or for the same learner at different points time. Moreover, the mere fact that something is learned does not necessarily mean that it will affect the learner's behavior. For the learner's behavior to change, s/he must be sufficiently motivated to model the learned behavior, and to practice that behavior to improve one's own skills. Thus, social cognitive theory provides a rather dynamic and multifaceted perspective on human behavior and development. Bandura's action-oriented, problem-solving framework is embraced especially by those who view behavior as a changeable and redeemable quality over which the individual can exercise great control, rather than as a predetermined and largely inalterable entity.
Related Research Paper Topic Suggestions
Cognitive and Psychosocial Development Case Study - Cognitive and Psychosocial Development Case Study Research Papers looks at the life of an eight-year old Caucasian male and keep track of his development. What you see on this page is an example of a case and the accessment of what stage of development the child is at. This will give you an idea on how to look at a case study for a psychology case study.
Cognitive Behavioral Theory - Cognitive Behavioral Theory Research Papers look at a preview of a sample of a paper ordered for graduate level writing project on various cognitive behavioral theories.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy research papers explain cognitive behavioral therapy as one of the most widely used forms of mental health counseling in America today.
Cognitive Development - Cognitive Development research papers evaluate Piaget's child development theories and stages, specifically the preoperational stage. Research papers on cognitive development begin by studying Piaget's work on human development and its stages.
Cognitive Learning Theory - Cognitive Learning Theory research papers discuss the process the brain undergoes when it learns.
Cognitive Strategy Instruction - Cognitive Strategy Instruction Research Papers discuss how this approach to teaching works to enhance learners’ abilities to control and direct their own learning activities.
Cognitive Theory - Cognitive Theory Research Papers provide an understanding process of human education and how the ideas of Piaget factor into cognitive theory.
Concrete Operational Stage - Concrete Operational Stage research papers discuss one of Piaget's stages where children begin to use logic and reasoning in their thinking process.
Developmental Psychology - Developmental Psychology research papers discuss the the study of the various changes that occur over the human life span.
Formal Operational Stage - Formal Operational Stage research papers discuss one of the stages in Jean Piaget's Cognitive Development Theory.
Jean Piaget - Jean Piaget research papers chronicle the work of the psychologist and discuss his famous work The Psychology of the Child.
Jean Piaget Stages - Jean Piaget Stages Research Papers look at Piaget's theory of development and discuss the four stages.
Lawrence Kohlberg - Lawrence Kohlberg Research Papers discuss Kohlberg's theory on moral development.
Origins of Intelligence In Children - Origins of Intelligence in Children research papers evaluate the work by Jean Piaget on Cognitive Development. Research papers at Paper Masters.
Piaget Theories - Piaget Theories research papers discuss Piaget's extensive studies in cognitive development. Research papers from Paper Masters are written to your specifications.
Piaget Vs Vygotsky - Piaget and Vygotsky research papers compare the two psychologists theories on development that profoundly influenced teaching methods for children’s cognitive styles and learning.
Preoperational Stage of Cognitive Development - Preoperational Stage of Cognitive Development research papers study Jean Piaget's child psychology theories.
Stages of Intellectual Development - Stages of Intellectual Development research papers discuss Jean Piaget's theories of cognitive development and examine his four stages of intelectual development.