The Concept of Social-Cognitive Theory - Essay Example

A conceptual model confines facts and information in a problem domain as it aims to communicate the sense of terms and concepts used by experts in discussing the problem, and discovering correlations between different ideas. The conceptual models usually used as tools for measuring social behaviours are social cognition models. (Fiske and Taylor, 1991) explained that these models "focus on individual cognitions or thoughts as processes which intervene between observable stimuli and responses in specific real world situations" (117). There are three key social cognition models that are being used to describe the important cognitions and their inter-relationships in the regulation of behaviour. These are social-cognitive theory by Bandura, 1991, Theory of Planned Behaviour by Azjen, 1991 and Theory of Interpersonal Behaviour by Triandis, 1981. The Three Key Social Cognition Models as Discussed Social-cognitive theory (SCT) evaluated: (Bandura, 1997) defined social-cognitive as a theory that "explains how people acquire and maintain certain behavioural patterns, while also providing the basis for intervention strategies" (n.p.). The factors to be considered to evaluate behavioural change are the people, environment, and behaviour. This social cognition model focuses on self-efficacy expectancies or beliefs about a person's ability to perform certain behaviour. A framework for designing, implementing and evaluating programs are being offered in social-cognitive theory. To better analyze this social cognition model, analysis of the pros and cons when this model is used should be presented. SCT is an important and effective means for educators in assisting the students to gain new supporting skills by developing feelings of self-efficacy from their own mastery experiences. SLT can help educators determine why certain learning activities work, and why other activities aren't very effective as the students may receive standard persuasive techniques to try to instil feelings of self-efficacy. Individuals may also develop feelings of self-efficacy through observing others succeed on a certain task. And of course, individuals may receive techniques in relaxing. On the other hand, one limitation to social cognitive theory started from the meaning of critical thinking, which is vital to learning. It is believed that all of the people are able of doing critical thinking, in spite of their differences. Additionally, social cognitive theory encourages the use of non-traditional methods of learning instructions and evaluations, which involves a major time commitment on the part of the expert using the model. Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) evaluated: The theory of planned behaviour is a theory about the relation between behaviour and attitudes. It was projected by Icek Ajzen as an annex of the theory of reasoned action (TRA). It is one of the most prognostic persuasion theories. As (Wikipedia, 2007), "it has been applied to studies of the relations among beliefs, attitudes, behavioural intentions and behaviours in various fields such as advertising, public relations, campaigns, healthcare, etc." (n.p.). TPB can cover people's intentional behaviour which Theory of Reasoned Action cannot explain. TPB would help better forecast health-related behavioural intention as it improves the predictability of intentions. It can give explanation to individual's social behaviours by viewing social norms as important factors. However, TPB fails to notice emotional factors and may only provide limited assessment on these areas. Theory of Interpersonal Behaviour (TIB) - Triandis Theory This model is based on TRA and TPB although based on (Davis et al., 1992) "efforts towards developing models that incorporate a non-utilitarian aspect of technology acceptance have been made" (pp 1111-1132). Hence, it does not distinguish the emotional from the cognitive domain and promotes assumption that an individual is positioned on the dimension of both emotional and cognitive bipolar in terms of evaluation. Triandis theory of interpersonal behaviour has been used to identify important predictors of sexual behaviours, including characteristics of the situation and personality variables. TIB is used as a framework for collecting data and presents mathematical representations to evaluate behaviours and learning. One of the disadvantages of using Triandis theory is he use of beliefs as intervention targets can boost the use of personal defensive equipment beyond levels used preceding the intervention. It can be viewed in a positive way though; however, individual tends to withdraw from innovative methods in solving problems. Differences between TPB and TIB in view of Social-cognitive Theory People and its Social Factors (Triandis 1980) defined Social factors as "an individual's internalization of the reference group's subjective culture and specific interpersonal agreements that the individual has made with others, in specific social situations" (p. 195). Unlike TPB, TIB claimed that intentions are not the only gauge of behaviour but habit and facilitating conditions supplement its totality. Environment as a facilitating condition In the Triandis theory of interpersonal behaviour, this factor is marked as geographic and resource limitations. Its importance as predictor of behaviour is supported by the dispute that behaviour cannot take place if objective conditions in the environment stop it or make it complicated, even when intentions are strong and habit is well established. Contrary to theory of planned behaviour wherein environment does not readily affect the intentions made by an individual. Behaviour Behaviour is the final result, the realization of which is dependent upon suitable configurations of intentions, facilitating conditions and habit. TIB recommended that behaviours vary in a number of ways, such as duration, strength, and occurrence and their measurement must be deemed on definite specific factors which impact the strength of the relationship between intention and behaviour. On the other hand, the theory of planned behaviour suggested that intention to perform a given behaviour may be predicted from attitude to antecedent, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control. Looking at these two social cognition models, TIB in terms of behavioural approach is more concise and specific than TPB. In conclusion, looking at the strength and limitations of these conceptual models, the theory of interpersonal behaviour gives more details in evaluating personal learning and behaviour and impacts which among the factors are needed to be developed. Because theories powerfully influence how evidence is collected, analysed, understood, and used, it is practical and scientific to examine them in details. Viewing the behaviour and intentions generally may not pinpoint the real deficiencies in a long run. References Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. New York: Freeman. Davis, F.D., Bagozzi, R.P., and Warshaw, P.R. "Extrinsic and intrinsic motivation to use computers in the workplace," Journal of Applied Social Psychology (22:14) 1992, pp 1111-1132. Fiske, S. T. and Taylor, S. E. (1991). Social cognition (2nd edn.). New York: McGraw Hill. 117 Triandis, H.C. "Values, attitudes, and interpersonal behavior," Nebraska Symposium on Motivation (27) 1980, p 195. Read More