Albert Bandura was a psychologist renowned for his work in social learning theory and the concept of self-efficacy. He is perhaps best known for his Bobo Doll Experiment [see video at the end of this post], which demonstrated that children could learn aggressive behaviors by observing others. This experiment played a significant role in shaping the understanding of how people learn through observation, imitation, and modeling, which became central to his social cognitive theory.
Key Contributions
Social Learning Theory: Bandura proposed that learning occurs in a social context through observation and imitation, emphasizing that behavior is influenced by external rewards and punishments, as well as cognitive factors like attention and memory. This idea challenged the behaviorist view that learning is solely a result of conditioning.
Self-Efficacy: Bandura introduced the concept of self-efficacy, which refers to an individual's belief in their ability to succeed in specific situations. This concept has wide-reaching applications, influencing fields like education, psychology, and health behavior change. It suggests that individuals who believe they can achieve a task are more likely to persist and succeed.
Reciprocal Determinism: Another significant aspect of Bandura's theory is reciprocal determinism, which suggests that behavior, personal factors (such as cognitive skills), and environmental influences all interact and affect each other. This triadic model of behavior contrasts with models that emphasize only environmental factors.
Moral Disengagement: Bandura also explored how people rationalize unethical behavior, developing the concept of moral disengagement to explain how individuals justify immoral actions without feeling guilt.
Major Works
Social Learning Theory (1977): In this book, Bandura laid out the principles of how learning occurs in a social context.
Self-Efficacy: The Exercise of Control (1997): This work spells out the concept of self-efficacy and its implications across various domains, including health, education, and therapy.
Bandura's work has had a profound effect on psychology, education, and even public policy. He received numerous awards, including the National Medal of Science in the U.S., and he is considered one of the most influential psychologists of the 20th century.
How Bandura Changed My Mind
"People not only gain understanding through reflection, they evaluate and alter their own thinking."
- From Social Foundations of Thought and Action, 1986
Thinking and reflecting on Bandura’s work reminds me to rigorously consider how much of my own behavior has been shaped by the environments I’ve been immersed in—how much I unconsciously adopt norms, behaviors, and attitudes simply by observing others—whether that’s friends, colleagues, or broader societal trends. Doing so allows me to step back and critically examine the influences that guide my decisions, so I can catch those moments when I might be going along with the crowd rather than acting based on my own rational judgment.
On a more prescriptive note, Bandura’s concept of self-efficacy has been a powerful mental model for steering through uncertainty. Building a strong sense of personal agency has made it easier for me to trust my own judgment, even when others’ opinions seem dominant. It’s more than just feeling confident—it’s the understanding that I can navigate challenges by relying on skills I’ve developed, which helps me make decisions that are less prone to error from self-doubt or social pressure—a crucial tool for being less wrong in moments when it's tempting to conform or hesitate.
“People's beliefs about their abilities have a profound effect on those abilities. Ability is not a fixed property; there is a huge variability in how you perform. People who have a sense of self-efficacy bounce back from failure; they approach things in terms of how to handle them rather than worrying about what can go wrong.” From Self-Efficacy: The Exercise of Control
In essence, understanding Bandura’s work has not only helped me to acknowledge and describe the influences around me but has also given me actionable ways to strengthen my ability to make better decisions. By being mindful of the forces at play, both externally and internally, I’ve found it easier to chart a path that feels more aligned with who I am, rather than simply reacting to what’s happening around me. This balance between observation and personal agency continues to refine my process.