Social Cognitive Theory vs. Social Learning Theory — What's the Difference?

Both Social Cognitive Theory and Social Learning Theory offer insights into how individuals learn from their environment. Social Cognitive Theory, proposed by Albert Bandura, goes beyond the concepts of Social Learning Theory by emphasizing the importance of cognitive processes, including beliefs, self-perceptions, and expectations. It underscores the role of self-efficacy, or an individual's belief in their capability to produce desired outcomes. On the other hand, Social Learning Theory, also rooted in Bandura's work, mainly focuses on how individuals learn behaviors by observing others. This theory posits that behaviors can be acquired through the simple act of observation without direct experience.

Social Cognitive Theory and Social Learning Theory both recognize the importance of observational learning. However, Social Cognitive Theory delves deeper into the cognitive mechanisms that influence behavior, such as attention, memory, and motivation. In contrast, Social Learning Theory is primarily concerned with the idea that observing a behavior can lead to its replication, given that certain conditions are met, like attention, retention, and motivation.

Interestingly, while Social Learning Theory is often considered a precursor to Social Cognitive Theory, the latter has a broader scope. Social Cognitive Theory encompasses the tenets of Social Learning Theory but introduces other dimensions like symbolizing capabilities, self-regulation, and self-reflectiveness. Social Learning Theory, in its essence, postulates that behavior, environment, and cognition all interact, affecting the learning process.

While both theories have been instrumental in understanding human behavior, Social Cognitive Theory offers a more comprehensive perspective by recognizing the active role individuals play in their learning, considering their beliefs and perceptions. Conversely, Social Learning Theory serves as a foundation, introducing the basic concepts of how behavior can be acquired in a social context.