Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 16: Problem 2

Unlike Skinner, Bandura argues that cognitions are valid causes of behavior. Give an example to illustrate each of the following: (a) Thinking about an event in different ways can cause different behaviors. (b) Thoughts alone can cause a person to become angry or depressed.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Statement A: If a student perceives an upcoming exam as a challenge, they might react with efficient preparation and hard work, however, perceiving it as a difficulty might lead to procrastination and anxiety. Statement B: A person could become depressed by dwelling on negative aspects of a break-up, or angry by focusing on their partner's faults, illustrating that thoughts alone can trigger emotions.

Step by step solution

01

Bandura's Theory Explanation

Bandura's cognitive theory suggests that our thoughts and mental processes can influence our behaviors. He stressed the importance of observational learning, self-efficacy, and mental states in the process of learning and behavior.
02

Example for Statement A

Assume a situation where a student has a major exam coming up. If the student thinks of the event as a challenge, they might study harder, organize their time efficiently, and prepare well. However, if they perceive it as an unsurmountable difficulty, they might procrastinate, become anxious, and possibly underprepare - two very different behaviors caused by different ways of thinking about the same event.
03

Example for Statement B

Consider a person who has repeatedly thought about a recent break-up. If they keep focusing on negatives, like blaming themselves or ruminating about what they could have done better, these thoughts can lead to feelings of depression. On the other hand, if they think about how their partner wronged them, they might become angry. Here, no external event is taking place; the trigger to the emotions is purely their thoughts.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Give an example to illustrate each of the following: (a) Observational learning is necessary because Skinnerian trial-and-error learning would be too dangerous. (b) Observational learning in the classroom. (c) Observational learning in sports. (d) How observational learning in our society leads to more violent behavior.

(a) Give an example to support Bandura's argument that self-reinforcement has a strong influence on behavior. (b) According to Bandura, self-standards are usually related to external standards. Is this wise, or should a person's self-standards be entirely independent of environmental influences?

A terrorist blows up a building in a hated foreign country. How might Bandura explain the terrorist's behavior?

You have to take an exam on the material in this chapter. Use this example to illustrate each of the following aspects of reciprocal determinism: (a) The environment influences behavior. (b) Behavior influences the environment. (c) Personal factors influence behavior, (d) Behavior influences personal factors. (e) Personal factors influence the environment. (f) The environment influences personal factors.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Psychology Textbooks

Careers in Psychology

Read Explanation

Schizophrenia

Read Explanation

Aggression

Read Explanation

Scientific Foundations of Psychology

Read Explanation

Clinical Psychology

Read Explanation

Gender

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free