Observational Learning and Social Cognitive Theory

Running head: Observational Learning 1
Observational Learning
Institution affiliation
Date

Observational Learning
2
Social cognitive theory
A response by a student on observational learning prompted me to explore social
cognitive learning theory. I found it is essential to compare Bandura’s approach to Skinner’s
learning approach. Through studying social cognitive theory by Bandura, I learnt that learning
occurs in a social setting. Furthermore, learning is based on reciprocal interactions with people,
behavior, and the learning environment. Bandura, through his theory, emphasizes that a learner’s
social environment influences the learning environment. I found through a more detailed
research that social settings determine if learners concept understanding. A person’s experience
specifies their learning environment; in relation to learning people’s behavior must be regulated
to properly structure the learning environment
In social cognitive learning theory, I learnt different aspects of observational learning.
Learners observe the behavior of others; learners then act as fellow learners and those of adults
who surround them. The learner’s model defines actions of those in learning environment and
imitates their actions (Schultz et al, 2017). Some reinforcements influence learner continuity
learning.
Operant conditioning
I further researched skinners theory; the theory is based on operant conditioning. In
operant learning, there are expected rewards or punishments for certain behaviors.
Psychologically, individuals associate behaviors with inevitable consequences. Skinner, in his
book, explains that if we look into causes of action, we will be able to understand the causes of
conflict and results (Boeree, 2006).