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Classical Vs Operant Conditioning Term Paper

Social Cognitive Theory The author of this brief report has been asked to offer definitions of two key theories and terms from the general subject of psychology. Those two terms are social cognitive theory (SCT) and the other is classical condition. There will also be reference to operant conditioning. The words about this subject will emanate from the work of Guy Lefrancois and this treatise called Theories of Human Learning. The broad field of human psychology is very complex and has evolved a great deal over the years, decades and generations since its inception. However, there are several realms of psychology that have emerged as prominent and important and social cognitive theory and its associated terms and facets is certainly one of those things. While social cognitive theory is far from settled, there are many parts that are generally agreed upon.

Analysis

The definition of social cognitive theory (SCT) is pretty simple once one realizes what it is. Basically, the idea behind social cognitive theory is that a person will tend to learn by watching and observing others while in a social setting. For example, a child might learn how best to shoot a basketball by watching other kids...

Of course, one can also learn through reading books and looking at diagrams. Even so, many people prefer to learn from within a social setting and they become a sponge as they observe and see others engage in actions, exchanges and interactions of any sort. Further, the viewing and observing of these actions in process will incur the observer to engage in the actions themselves, either at that time or later on down the road. In many instances, the people being observed and eventually mimicked are not in person and are rather depicted on the internet, on television or through other mediums. The actions and routines being modeled can be positive, negative or a mix of the two. Sometimes, the "good" or "bad" aspect is in the eye of the beholder. The point is that social interactions and observations lead to a lot of subsequent adaptations and reactions on the part of the watcher and/or listener (Lefranc-ois, 2012).
The other main subject of this report is the dichotomy that exists between what is known as classical conditioning and operant conditioning. The proverbial poster child for classical conditioning was the psychology pioneer by the name of Pavlov. When people make…

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Lefranc-ois, G. (2012). Theories of human learning. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
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