Social Theories Blog Post 1

When I reflect on this chapter, I realize the potential impact a person can have on another's learning experience. This is done through models and observational learning, part of social cognitive theory. Models can be found everywhere, and there are many steps you can take to be a successful model, such as being competent, high status, gender-appropriate and relevant. According to Albert Bandura's social learning theory, behavior, environment, and the personal characteristics are key in being an effective model as well. There are different types of models, such as live models and symbolic models.

According to the social cognitive theory, a behavior does not always have to occur when learning takes place. This makes me wonder, what does learning look like or how can it be identified in this theory? Is it when one imitates a model? Self-efficacy or the motivation to succeed, serves as determinism to learn. But wouldn't that count as a behavior? One learns through observation in social cognitive theory, but how exactly do they demonstrate that they have learned without acting or imitating?

People of larger scale are viewed as more powerful, therefore they are more likely to serve as a good model for individuals. Whatever they choose to model serves as an example of intelligence, and individuals are more likely to learn and imitate them. This is because they are regarded as high status, and usually that makes them more competent. Their power is strengthened if they prove to be relevant to the imitator.