Cognitive Social Theory Main Theorists Albert Bandura Walter Mischel

Also called Cognitive Social Learning Theory Operant Conditioning reward and punishment these are called situational variables PLUS Learning by observation Cognitive processes within an individual How a person thinks about the world, themselves, events These are known as person variables

People are self-aware; people are individuals Deliberately engage in learning Not just at the mercy of the environment People can modify (change) and create environments Person variables are important in determining what behaviours will occur http://s159.photobucket.com/albums/t152/sparkle014/?action=view&current=miley-cyrus-punk-08.jpg

Behaviour is caused by: Person variables Situational Variables punishment rewards What are the variables within a person that influence how they behave?

Competencies What Can I do? Knowledge of rules that tell us how to behave Skills –academic, athletic, social, job skills, and others Ability to construct plans Concepts of ourselves and others

Encoding Strategies How do I see it? Different people encode (symbolize, represent, understand) situations or stimuli differently Self-defeating encoding? “She doesn’t want me; I am a loser!” “I’ll never understand math” “Why does it always rain on my days off!”

Positive Encoding The glass is half full – and if it isn’t, I’ll figure out where to get water “Well, we weren’t made for each other!” “I really need some help understanding this idea so I can pass that test” “This will be a great day to walk in the rain!”

Expectancies What will happen? First, what will the results of this action be? Second, self-efficacy expectations – our belief that we can or cannot perform a certain behaviour Positive self-efficacy More likely to try tasks they believe they can do Negative self-efficacy More likely to avoid what they believe they cannot do

Subjective Values What is it worth to me? Individuals place different values on the same outcome (terms: objective vs subjective) Stimuli don’t control us; Stimuli have meaning – we decide the value This is frightening; this is really interesting This is worth working for; I can’t be bothered I have to do this; if it doesn’t happen, it won’t bother me I’m too scared – no way!; This is scary, but worth it

Self-Regulatory Systems and Plans How can I make this happen? We regulate our own behaviour, even when no one is watching, even when we are not rewarded or punished http://www.articulate.com/rapid-elearning/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/here2there.gif

I’m in charge – what will I do with it? We can’t control the environment all the time, but we can control our response to it We set goals Make plans Congratulate or criticize ourselves Give ourselves rewards Help ourselves through the hard stuff

Assignment Think of 10 things you would do, if you knew you wouldn’t fail Consider the list and pick one Complete the assignment – Outline Competencies Encoding Expectancies Subjective Value Self-Regulatory Systems and Plans