Social Cognitive theories of personality are based on the assumption that our thoughts (cognitions) and expectations are the basis for personality. We bring a unique set of personal standards and expectations that grew out of our learning and past experiences to social situations. These constructs are developed and modified through learning in social environments. A representative example of a social-cognitive theory of personality was developed by Albert Bandura. Bandura focuses on the concept of self-efficacy. Self efficacy refers to a person's beliefs about his or her own abilities in a given situation. Basically, the belief that you can do a particular task greatly increases the chances that you actually can do it. Bandura has propoed that this theory has implication for education. Emphasizing accomplishments rather than failures should, according to self-efficay theory, increase the likelihood of future successes. Self- efficacy can also impact someones explanatory style( whether someone is a pessimist or an optimist). People have different explanatory styles, or ways in which people explain themselves or react in different situations. Explanatory styles can be either positive or negative
Another important social cognitive theory is the locus of control theory. Julian Rotter proposed that the extent to which people believe that their successes or failures are due to their own efforts plays a mjor role in personality. People who have an internal locus of control believe that successes or failues are a direct result of their efforts, whereas people with an external locus of control are more likely to attribute success or failure to luck or chance.
Another important social cognitive theory is the locus of control theory. Julian Rotter proposed that the extent to which people believe that their successes or failures are due to their own efforts plays a mjor role in personality. People who have an internal locus of control believe that successes or failues are a direct result of their efforts, whereas people with an external locus of control are more likely to attribute success or failure to luck or chance.
