Practise IB Psychology HL 2.3.10 by analysing research methods and evaluating how evidence supports or limits conclusions about biological processes and behaviour.
Describe social cognitive theory with reference to one relevant study.
when awarding marks.
The command term "describe" requires candidates to give a detailed account of how social cognitive theory can explain behavior with reference to one relevant study.
The main concepts of social cognitive theory may include, but are not limited to:
- Social learning or learning by observation
- imitation (for example, of role models)
- vicarious learning
- the role of attention, retention, motivation and reproduction
- self-efficacy
- reciprocal determinism
- Identification
Relevant studies may include, but are not limited to:
- Bandura et al.'s (1961) and (1965) studies on observational learning and aggression in children
- Joy et al.'s (1986) study on the impact of television on children's aggressive behaviour
- Perry, Perry and Rasmussen's (1986) research study on the relationship between aggression and self-efficacy in children
- Williams and Williams' (2010) research study on the relationship between performance in mathematics and self-efficacy in children
- Fagot et al.'s (1992) study on parental influences on gender development.
- Odden and Rochat's (2004) study on how Samoan children learn cultural norms and behavior through observation.
If a candidate refers to more than one study, credit should be given only to the first study.
If a candidate describes social cognitive theory without referring to a study, up to a maximum of [5] should be awarded.
If a candidate only describes an appropriate study without describing social cognitive theory, up to a maximum of [4] should be awarded.