Bandura's reciprocal determinism theory

Definition

Bandura's reciprocal determinism theory suggests that behavior, the environment, and personal factors all influence and interact with each other in a continuous cycle. It emphasizes that individuals are not just passive recipients of environmental influences but actively shape their own experiences.

Theoretical Perspectives

Reciprocal Determinism Theory, rooted in social-cognitive theory and championed by Albert Bandura, posits that a person's behavior, personal factors (like cognition), and environment all influence each other.

Study And Research Findings

Bandura's 1961 Bobo Doll experiment demonstrated reciprocal determinism, showing how children imitate aggressive behavior modeled by adults, influenced by individual traits and environmental cues.

Related terms

Reciprocal causation: This term refers to the idea that behavior is influenced by both personal characteristics and environmental factors while also influencing those same factors back.

Self-efficacy: Self-efficacy refers to an individual's belief in their own ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish particular tasks.

Observational learning: Observational learning occurs when individuals acquire new behaviors or knowledge by observing others' actions and their consequences.