Observational Learning: Social Cognitive Theory Analysis

This assignment analyzes observational learning through the lens of social cognitive theory, contrasting it with Skinner's operant conditioning. The student explores Bandura's emphasis on learning within a social setting, highlighting reciprocal interactions between individuals, behaviors, and the environment. The assignment details the concept of observational learning, where learners observe and imitate the actions of others. It also delves into Skinner's theory of operant conditioning, emphasizing rewards, punishments, and the impact of consequences on behavior. The assignment highlights the similarities and differences between the two theories, particularly the role of rewards and punishments, while also acknowledging the differences in how individuals learn through observation versus past experiences. Key concepts such as self-efficacy and the influence of reinforcements are discussed, providing a comprehensive overview of both theoretical approaches.

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).

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Individuals are likely to repeat behaviors that have positive consequences; individuals
will not repeat behaviors that they will know the outcome will be negative. There are three types
of responses to this theory. First, there is a neutral operant. This is responses that will neither
decrease nor increase the depletion of certain behaviors. Reinforcements can be negative or
positive if learners get negative reinforcements, they will not be ready to learn more if the
reinforcements are positive they will be willing to learn more .I also learnt that leaners have self-
efficacy; self-efficacy refers to confidence in their abilities to perform specific actions.
Social cognitive theory compared to operant theory
Individuals can choose to repeat actions because they had a positive outcome, and
similarly, they may decide to repeat a behavior because they anticipate a negative result. Lastly, I
learned there are punishers; individual response may be associated with adverse reactions.
Punishment weakens the likely hood of repeating certain behaviors.
Comparison between social cognitive theory and skinners theory proves there are
similarities and difference between the two methods. For instance, in both approaches, they are
rewards and punishment for certain behaviors if individuals get a positive outcome from specific
actions. The individuals are likely to repeat steps while the negative result will make them avoid
repeating certain behaviors. I, however, all the same, noted there is a difference in social
cognitive theory individual observes practices from others while in skinners theory learners
chose to behave in a certain way based on their past experiences. The social cognitive theory
explains how learners have certain expectations from their actions that they have learnt from
others.

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References
Schultz, D. P., & Schultz, S. E. (2017). Theories of personality (11th ed.). Belmont, CA:
Wadsworth.
Boeree, C. G. (2006). B. F. Skinner. Personality Theories. Retrieved
from http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/skinner.html

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