Upon reading my readings of social cognitive theory, I discovered that it is nearly impossible to read anything regarding learning theories or social cognitive theory without reading about “behaviorism”. As I mentioned earlier in this paper social cognitive theory was an extension of behaviorism, the two have close similarities. Although they have similarities I have interpreted on major difference that I will discuss in the conclusion this paper. However, let us examine the fundamental concept of the behavior theory.
Behavior theory centers upon the idea that behaviors can be observed and measured. Now, after reading this statement, I was immediately surprised to read further about the connection of behaviorism to Pavlov’s experiments and what connection it had to behaviorism. I remembered learning this theory when I was in middle school and learned of it all throughout my college learning experiences. The experiment involved a dog, food and a bell. The scientist Pavlov used the bell to stimulate the dog’s need to feed. When the bell was rung the dog would begin salivate and desire food. How then does this apply to humans and are we not different from the animals, or are we? This began to peak my interest further, as I was interested in discovering how does this apply to learning? However, for all practical purposes, it is important that I finish my summary of behaviorism. Behaviorism focuses on a repetitious pattern of behavior until that behavior becomes automatic.
In conclusion, I have discovered one major difference between social cognitive theory and behaviorism. The difference is environment. Behaviorist believe that the environment helps to determine behavior, while social cognitive theory suggest that behavior is self directed or that behavior is determined in the mind. I cannot say that I completely understand these concepts, but I am interested in learning more. I find myself pondering further questions that I don’t regularly think about. For instance, I was a former juvenile parole officer in the state of New Jersey. I was often granted the honor of meeting some pretty amazing survivors. Some of the children I met were on parole and some were not. However, they all shared one common factor, the environment in which they grew up. The environment at times was dangerous, hostile, and violent and most often times hopeless. Some of the children went off to college, a few back to jail and a few remained in their communities to never do a thing with their life. A behaviorist approach would explain something about these children’s future, but not all. Some, despite their environment beat the odds. A social cognitive theory would explain a small portion, as some were brilliant, yet had no desire to change their lives. I am certain there is more to learn and I am eager to learn more so that I may begin to answer some questions that this assignment invoked.
References
Retrieved January 9, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_cognitive_theory
Retrieved January 9, 2008 from http://chcr.umich.edu/how_we_do_it/health_theories/healththeories4/chcr_document_view
Retrieved January 9, 2008 from http://www.istheory.yorku.ca/socialcognitivetheory.htm
