Social Cognitive Theory Case Study

1.Introduction of the theory-history

Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) was started as the Social Learning Theory (SLT) by Albert Bandura in the 1960s.The SCT and SLT may seem to overlap in some ways but both of them based on different assumption.(Queensland University of Technology, 2013).SLT is based on a sociological perspective and SCT a psychological perspective. (Queensland University of Technology, 2013). Social rewards and punishments, vicarious reinforcements and modelling emphasizes by social learning through particular power of learning. Social Cognitive theories build on behavioral theories and it also show that peoples cognitive processes influence and also influenced by behavioral associations. Cognitive theories only allow for

Family members, friends and colleagues which involve in social environment .Physical environment is the size of a room, the ambient temperature or the availability of certain foods. Other than that, it also provides the framework for understanding behavior by the environment and situation. (Parraga, 1990). The situation refers to the cognitive or mental representations of the environment that may affect a person’s behavior. The situation is someone perception of the time and physical features and activity (Glanz et al, 2002). There are total three factors which include people, environment and behavior are influence each other. So , environment is not simply result of the person and behavior and behavior also not simply the result of the environment and the

Limitation of theory

1. Loosely Structured

This is because social cognitive theory is so major, it has been criticized for insufficient any one unifying principle. So people are viewed as so dynamic that it is difficult to implement the theory in its entirety. Instead, implementation is likely to focus on one or two concepts, such as self-efficacy. (Lee Flamand, n.d.) The theory is loosely organized, based solely on the dynamic interplay between person, behavior, and environment. It is unclear the extent to which each of these factors into actual behavior and if one is more influential than another.

2. Minimizes Emotional Responses

Stephen Pinker (psychologists) have argued that some behavior is the result of emotional responses determined largely by biological factors, which are controlled heavily by evolution, and has little to do with conditioning or observation. For example, jealousy can drive one to behave in a way that is not consistent with one 's normal behavior. (Lee Flamand, n.d.).The theory does not focus on emotion or motivation, other than through reference to past experience. There is minimal attention on these factors.

3. Ignores Biological Differences and Hormonal