Albert Bandura & Social Cognitive Theory
Albert Bandura & Social Cognitive Theory
Denise A. Vega
Liberty University
PSYC 341
July 1, 2012
Professor Timothy Bouman
Abstract
The contributions Albert Bandura made to the understanding of social learning have led to further investigation and new findings. Social Cognitive Theory is Bandura’s greatest contribution to social, cognitive, and abnormal psychology. It has led to a greater understanding of human behavior and how humans learn behavior in a social context. Ultimately, modern research found that while Albert Bandura and other social learning theorists uncovered many aspects of learning and perception, there are factors that need further scrutiny, (Martin, Ruble, and Szkrybalo, 2001). The ability to produce more research is the epitome of a good theory. Bandura’s theories led to the gender aspect of social learning theory. That is, it led modern-day researchers to ask questions regarding how children learn to perceive gender in regards to gender role, performing good or bad deeds, and being famous.
Albert Bandura: A Legacy in Psychology
Biography Albert Bandura was born on December 4, 1925 in Mudare, which is a small town in Alberta, Canada. He is the only male and youngest of six children. His sisters took it upon themselves to hearten young Albert to be individualistic and self-sufficient. Because he grew up in a small and rural town, education had its limitations. In spite of the limitations his schooling situation presented, Bandura thrived and flourished into a brilliant scholar. Life experiences shaped his perception of life. While attending the University of British Columbia, Bandura took an introductory course to psychology merely because it fit into an open early morning timeslot. Upon completing said course, he changed his major to psychology. Bandura completed his degree in psychology in three years 1949. He proceeded to move to the United States where in 1951, Bandura accomplished a graduate degree from the
Denise A. Vega
Liberty University
PSYC 341
July 1, 2012
Professor Timothy Bouman
Abstract
The contributions Albert Bandura made to the understanding of social learning have led to further investigation and new findings. Social Cognitive Theory is Bandura’s greatest contribution to social, cognitive, and abnormal psychology. It has led to a greater understanding of human behavior and how humans learn behavior in a social context. Ultimately, modern research found that while Albert Bandura and other social learning theorists uncovered many aspects of learning and perception, there are factors that need further scrutiny, (Martin, Ruble, and Szkrybalo, 2001). The ability to produce more research is the epitome of a good theory. Bandura’s theories led to the gender aspect of social learning theory. That is, it led modern-day researchers to ask questions regarding how children learn to perceive gender in regards to gender role, performing good or bad deeds, and being famous.
Albert Bandura: A Legacy in Psychology
Biography Albert Bandura was born on December 4, 1925 in Mudare, which is a small town in Alberta, Canada. He is the only male and youngest of six children. His sisters took it upon themselves to hearten young Albert to be individualistic and self-sufficient. Because he grew up in a small and rural town, education had its limitations. In spite of the limitations his schooling situation presented, Bandura thrived and flourished into a brilliant scholar. Life experiences shaped his perception of life. While attending the University of British Columbia, Bandura took an introductory course to psychology merely because it fit into an open early morning timeslot. Upon completing said course, he changed his major to psychology. Bandura completed his degree in psychology in three years 1949. He proceeded to move to the United States where in 1951, Bandura accomplished a graduate degree from the
References: Anderson, N. & Schlottmann, A. (1995). Belief Revision in Children: Serial Judgment in Social Cognition and Decision-Making Domain Psychology: Learning, memory, and cognition., Volume 21, 1349-1364. doi: 11.2037/72278-9294.21.5.6717 Bandura, A., Ross, D., & Ross, S.A. (1963). Imitation Of Film-Mediated Aggressive Model. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology Bandura, A. & Walters, R. (1963). Social Learning and Personality Development. New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston. Berry, D. Buchner, A., & Steffens, M. (2000). Gender Stereotyping and Decision Processes: Extending and Reversing the Gender Bias in Fame Judgments Psychology, Volume 26, 1215-1227. doi: 10.1037/70278-7393.26.5.1215 Martin, C., Ruble, D., & Szkrybalo, J. (2002). Cognitive Theories of Early Gender Development. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, memory, and cognition., Volume Pajares, F. (2004). Albert Bandura: Biographical sketch. New York: General Learning Press