Albert Bandura

Albert Bandura (December 4, 1925 – July 26, 2021) was a renowned psychologist from Canada, best known for his work in social learning theory, which later became known as social cognitive theory. He was one of the leading figures in the field of educational psychology and his theories have had a significant impact on the field of psychology as a whole.

Early Life and Education

Albert Bandura was born in Mundare, a small town in Alberta, Canada. He completed his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia in 1949. He then moved to the United States to pursue his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Iowa, which he completed in 1952.

Career

Bandura started his career as a professor at Stanford University in 1953, where he remained until his retirement in 2010. During his tenure at Stanford, Bandura conducted his groundbreaking research on social learning theory.

Social Learning Theory

Bandura's Social Learning Theory posits that people learn from one another through observation, imitation, and modeling. This theory was a radical departure from the traditional learning theories of the time, which focused primarily on reinforcement and punishment. Bandura's theory emphasized the role of cognitive processes in learning and placed a significant emphasis on the social context in which learning occurs.

Self-Efficacy

Another significant contribution of Bandura to psychology is the concept of self-efficacy. Self-efficacy refers to an individual's belief in their ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task. According to Bandura, self-efficacy plays a crucial role in how people approach goals, tasks, and challenges.

Legacy

Bandura's theories have had a profound impact on the field of psychology. His work has been applied in various fields, including education, clinical psychology, and health psychology. He has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to psychology, including the American Psychological Association's Award for Distinguished Scientific Contributions.

See Also

• Social Cognitive Theory
• Self-Efficacy
• Observational Learning