Saturday, June 4, 2011

Albert Bandura:The Man and His Theories

Bandura, Albert. Social Learning Theory. New York: Prentice Hall, 1976.

This book addresses Bandura’s postulates of learning as a behaviorist theorist. Bandura explores the cognitive processes of learning as well as it relates to attention, memory, and motivation. This book is recommended because it addresses all of the vital elements of the theory, giving the reader clear picture of how learning happens. Bandura uses studies and other research to formulate his theories of learning and human development. Bandura is a professor and researcher at Stanford University who has been involved in the field of human behavior for over forty years. His theories are still as applicable and relevant, still quoted and accessed by many all over the world.

Bandura, Albert. Self-Efficacy: The Exercise of Control. New York: Worth Publishers, 1997.

In this book, Bandura addresses the research that he has compiled for over twenty years which focuses on the idea that believing in self is the biggest determinant for personal success. This idea is also associated with academic success for students as well as teachers. This book is recommended for those who want to impact their personal success and discover new ideas for learning. Albert Bandura is a well known researcher in this field, accumulating over forty years of research in this area. He is well respected and considered an expert by many.

Bandura, Albert. Self-Efficacy in Changing Societies. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1997.

This book while written by Bandura, has chapters co-written by other experts in the field. The book addresses all stages of life in changing contexts. Those who are interested in shaping their life paths of self-efficacy should definitely read this book. It is recommended to all who want to insure their own personal success. Albert Bandura is the architect of this theory and therefore this book is a must read for all. Albert Bandura is considered the father of the cognitive movement and his research and theories have been examined for many years. He is often called upon to speak at national conferences within the human behavior movement.

Bandura, Albert. Principles of Behavior Modification. Florida: Holt, Rinehart, and Winston 1999.

This book addresses principles of applied behavior analysis and modification. Bandura explains these very well, giving clear definitions and areas for applications of desired behavior. Those wanting to make a change in their behavior choices need to examine this book so they may look examine their choices and the reasons behind them so that they may then move forward in making the changes sought. This book is recommended for its clearly written principles and layout. It is an easy read and a resource for taking notes on ones life in order to make the changes wanted. Albert Bandura is an expert in personality, behavior, and motivation. These areas are all important to study when deciding how to change one’s life. He brings many years of research and expert testimony for those interested in this area.

Bandura, Albert. Psychological Modeling: Conflicting Theories. New Jersey: Aldine Transaction, 2006.

This book addresses learning by example and the differing theories that have been considered. The book includes the factors and principles involved with how humans learn by observation. It includes factors which must be present and why some influences matter more than others. This book is recommended because it offers the reader several theories on observational learning. It is applicable for all, including educators who are looking for opportunities to motivate and/or understand student behavior. Albert Bandura wrote this book back in 1971 and then he updated the contents in 2006 in order to provide more current research. Professor Bandura is still very involved in this field, contributing to other researchers and speaking at national conferences and other engagements.

Capara,Gian, Roberta Fida, Michele Vecchione, Gianetta Del Bove, Giovanni Maria Vecchio, Claudio Barbaranelli, Albert Bandura. “Longitudinal Analysis of the Role of Perceived Self-Efficacy for Self-Regulated Learning in Academic Continuance and Achievement.” Journal of Educational Psychology 100 (2008): 525-534. Web. 29 May 2011.

This article addresses a longitudinal study in the self-efficacy of adolescents in school. The study showed that students with less self-efficacy were less successful in school endeavors. Students with higher self-efficacy had higher levels of success in academics and perceived life choices for their futures. This article is recommended because it is an example of Bandura’s self-efficacy theory of higher self-efficacy leads to more success. The team of authors of this article excluding were from the University of Rome. All were research students working with Bandura on his theory. Albert Bandura is a Professor Emeritus at Stanford University. He has studies self-efficacy for over forty years, writing extensive articles and book on the subject.

White, Jenny, Lisa Bero, Albert Bandura. “Moral Disengagement in the Corporate World.” Accounting in Research 16 (2009): 41-74. Web. 26 May 2011.

This article addresses the social cognitive theory of Albert Bandura and its relation to the corporate world’s morality disengagement. Moral conduct is examined within its relation to bias, organizational culture, and self-evaluation. This article is recommended as an application for Bandura’s theory of social learning. The idea of examining moral conduct is very applicable to all who are trying to gauge the workplace environment and culture of the organization. Dr. Bero and Jenny White are researchers and professors from the University of California at San Francisco. Albert Bandura is Professor Emeritus at Stanford University. All are very interested in the workings of the corporate world and its applicability to disengagement of morality.

Johnson, Kyle. “Spiritual Modeling: a Key to Spiritual and Religious Growth?” ACPE Research Network, Web. 25 May 2011.

This article is relating Bandura’s theories of self-reflection, observational learning, and self-efficacy to the idea of spiritual growth. The article discusses that Bandura is clear on the fact that each of the latter is important for what we do as humans, not what we think. It allows pastoral educators to think beyond scripture and rhetoric to what actions we take as humans that raise our spiritual awareness and devotion. The article also addresses the “social cognitive” processes that come from watching models such as priests and other spiritual leaders.
This article is recommended because it is an application of Bandura’s theory. It is clear, concise, and able to draw comparisons which make the reader think of their own spiritual guides and development. Kyle Johnson is a retired Us Army Chaplain who writes articles for the ACPE Research Network. He is a follower of Bandura’s theories in his life’s work.

Borgen, Fred, Nancy Betz. “Career Self-Efficacy and Personality: Linking Career Confidence and the Healthy Personality.” Journal of Career Assessment 16:1 (2008): 22-43. Web. 26 May 2011.

This article examines the relationship between career and personality as it relates to self-efficacy. The article discusses personality inventories and engagement styles which directly convey the ideas of Bandura’s theory of personality, self-efficacy, and motivation. The article also addresses confidence levels which relate to self-efficacy as well. This article is recommended for its current relevancy to career development and personality traits which assist the worker in developing a career that is both rewarding and successful. Borgen and Betz are professors and researchers of psychological concepts like personality development for Iowa State and Ohio State respectively. They have each written numerous articles which cite and refer to Bandura’s theories.

Wilson, Barbara. “Media and Children’s Aggression, Fear and Altruism.” The Future of Children 18 (2008): 87-118. Web. 28 May 2011.

This article refers to Bandura’s theory of observational learning as it relates to children who watch excessive television whose models are aggressive and self-centered. The article uses observational learning top posture that children who watch these models have more difficulty in handling their fears and emotions. While age is a factor, many children do internalize what they see on the screen, transferring choices to their own daily interactions with others. This article is recommended for its ability to lead the reader through the complex process of learning and it relevancy that this is an important idea we as a society must examine. It addresses our choices for media and entertainment that must be considered. Barbara Wilson is a Paul C. Friedland Professorial Scholar and Head of the Department of Communication at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is a contributing author to The Future of Children journal at Princeton University.

Gambrell, Linda, Barbara Marinak. Reading Motivation: What the Research Says. LdOnline, 2008.Web. 26 May 2011

This website is managed by LD OnLine, a leading site for parents of children with disabilities that are academic. The site wants parents to understand the importance of Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy in order for parents to see that belief in success and self leads to the same. The site quotes research on motivation, another of Bandura’s area of expertise. This site is recommended for its easy read, inclusion of references, and ideas for the development of self-efficacy. Linda Gambrell and Barbara Marinak are both professors and researchers at Clemson and Penn State Universities. They are both fascinated by the theory that students with reading difficulties are more likely to succeed when they think they can. Their interests are to make parents aware of how this theory translates to reading comprehension and motivation to read.

Pajares, F. Albert Bandura: Biographical Sketch. (2009) Web. 28 May 2011

This site is a biographical sketch of the great Albert Bandura. The site includes his early years in Canada as a child, his university years, graduate studies, and theories throughout his life. The site is very comprehensive and the author cites and includes many different pieces of electronic media for the reader to access. This site is recommended for its completeness for the reader. Anyone searching for information on Bandura will be able to gain the knowledge being sought with ease. Frank Pajares is a well known researcher who has written many scholarly articles in journals and other academic writings. Pajares is interested in Bandura’s theories of self-efficacy and its effect on academic settings.

Terry, Paul and David Anderson. Lessons from Health Coaching: The Essential Reading List for Effective Coaches, Part One. Stay Well Health Management, 17 March 2011. Web. 29 May 2011.

This site asserts that Bandura is a “consensus thought leader” for coaches. It uses Bandura’s theory of social learning to illustrate the idea that individuals must consider their behavior as it relates to their environment. The site also addresses Bandura’s m theory of self-efficacy. Health management is a booming field due to technological and medical advances in this area. This site is recommended because of its very current focus and relation to theories which have been examined for over forty years. The site is managed by Paul Terry and David Anderson. Both are executives with the Stay Well Health Management Group and contribute articles to the site which try to shape perceptions about good health and coaching for the same.

Melian, Robert and Karen Walters. Albert Bandura. Web. 28 May 2011.

This site captures the theories of Bandura and social learning. It includes motivation, reinforcement, and the famous Bobo Doll experiment Bandura made famous in the 1960’s. The authors give implications of the theory and its relation for self-efficacy as well as punishment. This site is recommended because it makes very clear arguments that leave the reader wanting to read more. There is a very good graphic that structures thoughts for readers. The authors are both interested in these concepts.

Fowler, Laurie. A Virtual Interview with Albert Bandura. Fall 2002. Web. 28 May 2011.

This website is a virtual interview with Bandura. Although he was never truly interviewed, the site is comprehensive and has many facts included. This site is recommended for its lighter faire and easy read. It presents a clear picture in the mind of the visitor of who Albert Bandura is. Included are references for accuracy and truth of information. Laurie Fowler was a student interested in the theorist from the University of Alabama.

Melvin, Holly. Albert Bandura: Observational Learning.15 November 1999. Web. 28 May 2011.

This site was created for a psychology class but is very comprehensive for researchers who wish to discover Albert Bandura. The site is meant to inform readers about his life and multitude of theories with regard to observational learning, efficacy, motivation, and personality. The site has links to these topics that the writer discovered. This site is recommended for its ability to connect readers with a comprehensive view of Albert Bandura the man and his theories. Holly Melvin was a student of Psychology and no other information is known at this time.

Isom, Margaret Delores. The Social Learning Theory. www.robertotexto.com, 30 November 1998. Web. 29 May 2011.

This relates Social Learning Theory to criminology and behavior modeling. Bandura’s theories are used as references and cites for research. Self-esteem and observational learning are huge factors in determining criminal behavior. This is recommended because Bandura’s life is included as well as his research linking to other references. Margaret Isom has written several papers on Social Learning Theory. She has studied Bandura as evidenced by her writings.

Clark, Don. Albert Bandura. Big Dog and Little Dog’s Performance Juxtaposition, 2 October 2010. Web. 28 May 2011.

This site discusses the role of modeling on individuals, citing Bandura and his experiments and research. Learning by observing is discussed in detail. Concepts such as creativity and inhibition are also focused upon. This site is recommended for its information and ease of use. Don Clark is the manager of the Big Dog and Little Dog site. He writes extensively on a myriad of topics such as leadership and modeling. He is a follower of Bandura’s theories as it relates to leadership models in the military.

Abbot, Lynda. Social Learning Theory. From notes on Ormond’s Human Learning, Web. 29 May 2011.

This site is based upon notes from Ormond’s Human Learning. It is full of general principles of social learning theory, punishment, reinforcement, modeling, and self-efficacy. The implications for education and personal success are also addressed. This site is recommended for its relevancy, accuracy, ease of use, and the numerous outline style conceptual development. Lynda Abbott, at the time of the site, was a PhD student at the University of Texas in instructional technology.. She has since graduated and is continuing to write and research topics.

Dombeck, Mark and Jolyn Wells-Moran. Learning Theory. MentalHelp.net, 3 July 2006. Web. 29 May 2011.

This site on Learning Theory is a part of the MentalHelp.net site. It discusses classical and instrumental conditioning clearly and concisely. The site includes resources and the summary of several years of research. This site is recommended for its accuracy and relevancy in conjunction with small tidbits of information on learning theory. Dombeck and Wells-Moran are both licensed mental health experts and doctors in the field. They write articles for MentalHelp.net as well as educational journals.