What is the Difference Between Social Cognitive Theory and Social Learning Theory?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and Social Learning Theory (SLT) are both theories that attempt to explain how individuals learn and acquire new behaviors. They share similarities, such as the importance of observation in learning, but also have key differences:
Similarities:
- Both theories emphasize the role of observation in learning.
- Both theories have their roots in behaviorist traditions, focusing on rote behavior.
Differences:
- SCT, proposed by Albert Bandura, is an expanded form of SLT and emphasizes the role of mental processes in shaping behavior.
- SLT focuses on the role of observation and imitation in learning.
- SCT views motivation as a cognitive process, while SLT views it as a function of reinforcement and punishment.
- SCT incorporates the concept of self-efficacy, which is unique to the theory and cannot be identified in SLT.
- SCT has a broader scope and considers the interplay of personal, behavioral, and environmental influences in the acquisition, maintenance, and change of behavior.
In summary, while both Social Cognitive Theory and Social Learning Theory emphasize the importance of observation in learning, they differ in their focus on mental processes, motivation, and the role of self-efficacy. SCT has a broader scope and considers the interplay of various factors in behavior change, whereas SLT focuses more on the role of observation and imitation.
Comparative Table: Social Cognitive Theory vs Social Learning Theory
Here is a table comparing the key differences between Social Cognitive Theory and Social Learning Theory:
| Feature | Social Cognitive Theory | Social Learning Theory |
|---|---|---|
| Proponent/s | Albert Bandura alone | Multiple contributors, including Bandura, Neil Miller, Julian Rotter, Robert Burgess, and Ronald Akers |
| Core Concepts | Human agency, observational learning, and its four meditational processes (attention, retention, production) | Learning occurs in a social context, with a focus on behavior |
| Emphasis | Cognitive factors and the dynamic interplay between person, behavior, and environment | Imitation of observed behavior |
| Origin | Developed as an extension of Social Learning Theory in 1986 | Developed earlier, with contributions from multiple thinkers |
| Application | Widely used in health promotion, considers many levels of the social ecological model in addressing behavior | Focuses on the reproduction of learned behavior through reinforcements |
Both theories discuss how individuals acquire new social skills, but Social Cognitive Theory places more emphasis on cognitive factors, while Social Learning Theory focuses on imitating observed behavior.
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