Social Cognitivism

Origins

Albert Bandura, a psychologist at Stanford University wrote Social Learning Theory in 1977 (later revising it to be called Social Cognitive Theory.) The theory is considered a bridge between behaviorist and cognitive learning theories because it agrees with the basis of learning as a result of stimulus and response, but it adds that learners are active in using cognitive processes to determine what the correct response is, and unlike what behaviorist’s propose, are not solely based on external positive or negative reinforcement.

Defined

This theory states that people learn from one another by observing the behavior of a “model” and then use cognitive processes to determine whether or not to imitate it based on prior knowledge. Negative or positive reinforcement can be internal based on what perceived rewards or punishments may result.

Methodology

Learning is achieved through observation and the "four mediating processes:"

Attention: The behavior has to be interesting in order to be selected for observation.

Retention: How well the behavior is remembered. Also related to attention.

Reproduction: The ability to perform the behavior that was observed. This can be limited by physical or mental capacities. Not all behavior that is observable can be imitated.

Motivation: The will to perform the behavior. Does the learner perceive it as something that will be rewarded or encouraged or will it be punished or dicscouraged.

Application

Most effective for learning behavior or tasks that can be modeled in order to increase the observer’s belief in “self efficacy” (seeing oneself capable of learning the task.) For example, learning to play an instrument or game, or vocational skills like plumbing or construction (as in apprenticeships.) And through media models such as television dramas in order to influence behavior change (I.e. promoting literacy or racial or gender equality.)

Example Learning Scenario

The personal learning experience I shared from my college course in contemporary issues is an example of cognitivism. Each week we were told to choose a reading from the course syllabus on a public policy topic, choose a current event that is related to the topic and write a two-paragraph summary that discusses the who-what-why-where and how it is an example of a particular policy approach from the reading. Each week, one class period was designated to presenting one’s findings to the class to generate discussion. The above demonstrates cognitivism in several ways:

It is a student centered/discovery learning approach to instruction

By providing the structure of the readings from the course syllabus, the student is given guidance to help them search for current issues that relate to prior learning.

Critical thinking skills are being taught by requiring them to analyze issues and make connections.

Presenting their findings each week provides the opportunity for social learning through peer and instructor discussion and feedback.