AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) started as the Social Learning Theory (SLT) in the 1960s by Albert Bandura. It developed into the SCT in 1986 and posits that learning occurs in a social context with a dynamic and reciprocal interaction of the person, environment, and behavior.

Detailed explanation-2: -Bandura’s social cognitive theory of human functioning emphasizes the critical role of self-beliefs in human cognition, motivation, and behavior. Social cognitive theory gives prominence to a self-system that enables individuals to exercise a measure of control over their thoughts, feelings, and actions.

Detailed explanation-3: -Albert Bandura developed the Social Cognitive Theory based on the concept that learning is affected by cognitive, behavioral, and environmental factors (Bandura, 1991).

Detailed explanation-4: -SCT identifies three main factors that influence behavior and behavioral choices: (1) the environment (e.g., neighborhood, proximity to gym), (2) individual personality characteristics and/or experience (including cognitions), and (3) behavioral factors.

Detailed explanation-5: -It is for this reason that Bandura modified his theory and in 1986 renamed his Social Learning Theory, Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), as a better description of how we learn from our social experiences.