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Block 2 Unit 2 Social Cognitive Thoery of Personality - Bandura

1. Discuss main features of social cognitive theory of personality.

Social cognitive theory emphasises the role of social learning, cognitive processes, and self-efficacy in shaping personality. It uses a reciprocal model of determinism.

2. What do you understand by reciprocal determinism? Discuss its importance in the light of Bandura’s theory.

Reciprocal determinism suggests that behaviour, cognitive factors, and environmental factors all interact and influence each other. This interactive process is a key to Bandura's theory.

3. Critically evaluate the development of self-system as proposed by Bandura.

The self-system, according to Bandura, consists of self-observation, judgemental processes and self-response.

4. Write an essay on self-efficacy.

Self-efficacy is defined as the belief in one's capabilities to organise and execute the courses of action required to manage prospective situations. It impacts thoughts, behaviors, feelings, and motivation.

5. What is observational learning? Discuss the main processes involved in observational learning.

Observational learning occurs when people learn by observing others. The processes involve attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation.

6. What do you mean by vicarious learning? What role does it play in Bandura’s social learning?

Vicarious learning, according to Bandura's social cognitive theory, is the process of learning by observing the behaviour of others and the consequences of those behaviours. It is a key element in his theory, suggesting that individuals do not need to directly experience something to learn from it. Instead, people can learn by observing the actions of others and then reproduce these same actions.

Role of Vicarious Learning in Bandura’s Social Learning Theory:

• Learning without direct experience: Vicarious learning allows individuals to acquire knowledge and skills without having to undergo direct trial-and-error experiences. This is particularly important for survival, as it enables the acquisition of necessary skills through observation rather than by potentially dangerous direct encounters.
• Accelerated learning: By observing others, people can learn much more efficiently. This shortcut to learning allows them to avoid making mistakes and to perform behaviours more successfully from the outset.
• Transmission of information: Vicarious learning is a mechanism for transmitting behaviours, skills, and knowledge through modelling influences. A single model can transmit new ways of thinking and acting to many people at the same time.
• Symbolic modelling: Information about behaviour patterns is gained through models presented symbolically through words or pictures, not just through the observation of real people. This multiplies the effects of vicarious learning because many people can gain the same information, even when not present at the same time and place.
• Impact on beliefs: People develop ideas about social reality through vicarious experiences, because they do not have direct contact with all parts of their environment. What they see and hear greatly influences their world view.
• Motivation: Vicarious reinforcement – observing a model being rewarded – provides motivation to imitate the model's behaviour. Conversely, observing a model being punished can be a reason not to imitate the model. Vicarious learning helps individuals understand which behaviours are acceptable and which are not.
• Behavioural guidance: Vicarious learning acts as a guide on how to complete a behaviour by observing the actions of others. This means an individual can refine their behaviours by watching the successes and failures of others.

Vicarious learning is closely linked with observational learning. According to Bandura's theory, observational learning includes four key steps:

• Attentional processes: The observer must pay attention to the model.
• Retentional processes: The observer must be able to remember the observed behaviour.
• Reproduction processes: The observer must be able to physically or mentally reproduce the behaviour.
• Motivational processes: The observer must be motivated to imitate the behaviour.

In summary, vicarious learning is a central element of Bandura's social cognitive theory, enabling learning through the observation of others and their actions. This type of learning is important for developing new skills and understanding the consequences of behaviour in a social environment, and as a form of behavioural guidance that helps individuals to learn more efficiently.