Social Cognitive Theory - Essay Example

The social cognitive theory draws its concepts from the acquisition of social behaviors. The theory highlights that learning takes place in a social context and much of it occurs through observation. Particularly, the model argues that individuals learn behaviors by observing, modeling, and positive reinforcement.

The model lays its foundation on various assumptions regarding learning and behavior. Initially, the theory assumes that behavioral and environmental aspects affect one another in a bidirectional-reciprocal manner (Plotnik & Kouyoumjian, 2011). This means that one’s habit is a product of cumulative interaction of behavioral, cognitive, and contextual aspects. For example, classroom learning is defined by both the academic environment and the student’s self-beliefs and thinking. The theory also argues that people are capable of affecting the environment and their behavior by adopting purposeful and goal-directed schemes (Prati, 2012).

However, this assumption contradicts the customary behaviorism concepts that emphasized a more impacting form of environmental determinism. In essence, the theory does not dismiss the role of the environment in determining people’s behavior; however, the model claims that through self-reflection and regulation, people have the potential of affecting their own outcomes and the environment. The theory indicates that observation learning of new habits or skills depends on four closely related procedures that include attention, production, retention, and motivation.

Attention is essential because one must focus on the concept and the vital aspects of behavior in order to learn. Retention entails the procedure essential for minimizing and changing the observed content into a symbolic form that can be archived for future use. Production schemes are essential when learners utilize their stored codes and attempt to practice the learned concept. Lastly, motivational procedures are vital for understanding why individuals engage in the prior sub-procedures including an attempt of creating new ideas from the learned concepts.

The theory postulated that learning could take place without an immediate alteration of one’s behavior (Plotnik & Kouyoumjian, 2011). This means that learning and the manifestation of the learned concepts are distinct processes. The idea describing this difference is the assumption that learning entails not mere attainment of new behaviors, but also abstract rules, knowledge, cognitive skills, and other cognitive constructs. Separation of learning and habit indicates a deviation from the idea proposed by behavioral models that described learning piercingly as a change in nature or frequency of behavior.

This also indicates that one may learn a concept, but fail to demonstrate it unless in the presence of effective motivating factors (Prati, 2012). Knowledge of the concepts proposed by the social cognitive theory is of vital significance in improving my undertakings. I can constructively utilize these concepts in changing in creating beneficial behaviors that can improve my performance and the one for my team.

Particularly, the SCT concepts can provide me with effective strategies for overcoming my shortfalls while capitalizing on my abilities. For example, the theory could help me understand the probable reason as to why I behave in a certain manner. Similarly, I can utilize the SCT concepts in identifying the effect of environmental factors or a certain strategy on the performance of a team. With this knowledge, I will be in a position of formulating productive interventions that can counteract the destructive influence of the environment while making the team develop behavior that is necessary for success (Prati, 2012).

The imperative application of SCT concepts in life activities is indisputable considering its postulates on the idea of social learning and the demonstration of the learned concepts. This is because the model can enable me to create a desired personality or build an important culture within my team. This is because one can evaluate and provide essential environment aspects that could foster the development of a preferred habit. This is possible through the creation of purposeful and goal-oriented strategies. Furthermore, one can identify and provide valuable motivational elements that could enhance the manifestation of the learned concepts. Consequently, I will be capable of motivating myself and my team, which could result in improved performance.