Theoretical Comparison #2 BANDURA's (Social Learning) VS. PIAGET's (Cognitive Development)

Albert Bandura is said to be one of the new cognitive behaviorist. Cognitive behaviorists are also referred to as social learning theorist. According to Ashford and LeCroy (2010), “Bandura attempts to understand people as conscious, thinking beings who can have an influence on their environment.” Bandura places emphasis on we learn by what we observe and we do this by having role models and we learn new behaviors as a result of these role models. This type learning is considered cognitive because we learn through our memories. According to social-learning theory, models are critical in the development of personality because of the principle of observational learning (Ashford and LeCroy, 2010). According to learning-theories.com, “Most human behavior is learned observationally through modeling: from observing others, one forms an idea of how new behaviors are performed, and on later occasions this coded information serves as a guide for action.” (Bandura). Social learning theory explains human behavior in terms of continuous reciprocal interaction between cognitive, behavioral, and environmental influences.”

Jean Piaget built his career on studying the relationship between how we develop and how we learn (Ashford and LeCroy, 2010).  The concepts of adaptation an organization are critical components of Piaget’s theory of cognitive development. We are said to use schemata as structures for cognitive learning. According to Piaget, what we perceive in the external world does not always fit in our internal schemata, or what we know. So we can assimilate new information into our existing schemata or thought structures and thereby change what we perceive (assimilation). Or we can accommodate our thought patterns to what we perceive-in other words; change what we think (accommodation) (Ashford and LeCroy, 2010).   

Bandura’s social learning theory can be and to my knowledge is applied in the field of social work. Social workers are many things to different people. The principle of professionalism makes social workers great role models. If a client is not sure of a certain behavior we can show them what it looks like by modeling it. Piaget’s theory is also applied in social work. Social workers supply resources and empower clients. Sometimes just simply finding the right resources can fit into the client’s schemata and help to empower that client.

Ashford, J.B. & LeCroy, C.W. (2010). Human behavior in the social environment: a multidimensional perspective (4th ed.). Australia: Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning.

http://www.learning-theories.com/social-learning-theory-bandura.html