Social Cognitive Theory: How We Learn From the Behavior of Others
![](https://dev.theedadvocate.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/1111-660x400.jpg)
Social cognitive theory (SCT) is a comprehensive theory of social cognition that specifies how individuals process and remember information about the social world. It has been influential in social psychology, sociology, and communication studies and has been used to explain various behaviors, including social recognition, communication, persuasion, and social networking.
According to SCT, social cognition is a process that involves the automatic processing of information about the social world. For example, social cues, such as facial expressions, body language, and surnames, are automatically processed and used to generate impressions of people and groups. These impressions are then used to form judgments, attitudes, and behaviors.
SCT is based on the assumption that humans are social animals and that the ability to interact with others is essential for survival. It holds that social cognition is a fundamental mechanism by which humans interact with the social world and that it is adaptive and necessary for developing and maintaining social relationships.
SCT is a complex theory, and much is still unknown about its mechanisms and effects. However, SCT is an important concept in social psychology, sociology, and communication studies, and its influence will likely grow.