Question

Give an example of either latent learning or observational learning which proves that the cognitive social theory of learning is valid?

Answer 1

Social cognitive theory is a based on behaviorism theories and acts as a bridge between behaviorism and cognitive learning theories since it takes into account attention, memory, and motivation.

Social cognitive learning theory states that human learning occurs by observing others. People acquire new skills, learn strategies, develop beliefs and attitudes observationally through modeling. Since by observing others, one develops an idea of how new behaviors are performed (attention), and this information is remembered (retention) and later when required(motivation) is used to perform or imitate the behviour (reproduction).

An example of observational learning is watching cooking videos on social media, one starts to acquire skills of cooking by looking at small 1-2 minute clips only. And while cooking whenever required, one recalls a tip or a new technique they saw on a video, and they are able to perform that new technique.