Cognitive theory: foundational concepts and applications

Social Cognitive Theory

First promoted by Albert Bandura, the principles of social-cognitive theory stemmed from the social learning theory, both of which can be blanketed under behaviorism. Based on the principle that people are motivated primarily by reward or punishment, social-cognitive theory builds upon the basic tenets of behaviorism by focusing on the ways individuals learn by observing others and modeling their behavior. Therefore, social-cognitive theory suggests that both human cognition and social interaction play key roles in the stimulus-response process.

Social-cognitive theory offers a well-rounded approach to basic behaviorism and can be a useful approach to understanding individual and group behaviors. Moreover, social-cognitive theory can help researchers postulate motivations for certain behaviors. The theory is useful in helping psychologists understand how to promote behavioral change in their clients. The theory is therefore useful in both clinical and counseling psychology, as it has potential uses for research as well as practical applications. Because social-cognitive theory allows the inclusion of any number of variables, from gender to genetics, the theory is comprehensive.

The theory's emphasis on cognitive processes enables psychologists to better understand the complex interactions between the individual and his or her surroundings. As all individuals are influenced by their environments, social-cognitive theory allows researchers to view people within a realistic context rather than as artificially isolated from the influences of other people or society at large. Furthermore, the theory permits some flexibility in ascertaining whether individuals make decisions based primarily on internal motivations such as personality, or on external factors such as the expectations of others.