Social Theories Post 1

This chapter is about how things are learned from other people. The main focus is on observational learning. This method occurs when a person learns by observing another person, or model. The model not only has to demonstrate the behavior that is to be learned, but the model also has to meet certain requirements. A model has to be competent in what he/she is teaching and has to have a high status in the opinion of the imitator. The behavior that is being taught also must be gender-appropriate and  of some relevance to the imitator. Not only must the model reach these specific requirements, but the imitator characteristics and the environment also play a part in whether or not a behavior is learned through observation. An imitator must be paying attention to the model an must be motivated to learn the specified behavior. The imitator must also be able to retain the information being observed and be able to produce the behavior later. Another important contributor to whether a behavior is learned or not is the imitator's self-efficacy and self-regulation. Self-efficacy is the individual's belief about his/her chances of succeeding.  Self-regulation is the individual's ability to control their emotions, cognition, and behaviors by providing consequences.

One question that I had while reading this chapter was in regard to the statement that learning may or may not include a behavior change. If this is true, how can a teacher judge if her students are learning the things that they are observing?

Different individuals in our lives play a great effect on how and what we learn. Society influences our morals and values. We also are all taught things in different ways. Some of us are taught things by our parents at home, while others might learn certain skills in a formal school setting. These differences can influence how we learn in our everyday lives. Our parents and teachers can also play a part in our motivation and self-efficacy. If we are held to a high standard of success, we are much more motivated to reach that standard and we believe more in our selves.