Social-Cognitive Characteristics

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Social-cognitive characteristics, according to Albert Bandura’s social cognitive theory (SCT), influence how we perceive, interpret, and respond to social information. Characteristics include:

  • Self-efficacy believes in our own ability to act or achieve a desired outcome. We join a gym to achieve our fitness goal with hard work (high self-efficacy).
  • Observational learning notes others’ behaviors/consequences. A child learns to tie their shoes by watching their parent.
  • Outcome expectations for a behavior, positive or negative. We avoid a risky behavior in anticipation of known negative consequences.
  • Behavioral capability is understanding/having skills to act.
  • Reciprocal determinism are mutually influencing thoughts, behaviors, and environment.
  • Social interaction is the ability to understand/navigate social cues.
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