Relationship between facts and theories: social learning and sociocultural perspectives on human development
Overview
This paper examines the relationship between facts and theories in understanding human development, specifically exploring social learning theory and sociocultural theory. It argues that human behavior and thinking are shaped by environmental influences and social interactions rather than being determined solely by genetic inheritance, demonstrating how these theoretical frameworks support the observation that people tend to adopt characteristics of those around them.
What this essay covers
- Introduction to social learning theory and Bandura's concept of imitation and environmental influence on behavior
- Exploration of sociocultural theory and Vygotsky's argument that social foundations are necessary to realize human capabilities
- Synthesis of both theories demonstrating their agreement that environmental and social factors shape human development and behavior
Preview
Relationship between facts and theories
Name
Institution
When we grow up, we tend to think and behave similarly to the people who spend most of their time around us. The social learning theory suggests that human beings learn by watching others. Albert Bandura suggests that children learn by imitating and copying people around them(Lally and French, 2019). Furthermore, the idea implies that our environment greatly influences our behaviors and thinking. Moreover, there is an interdependence between human beings and their surroundings. We respond to our surroundings according to our judgment of how we should respond. The decision is also dependent on how we relate to the surrounding. However, we also influence the way our surrounding responds to our thoughts and actions. Therefore, when we are frequently around people of a specific trait and habit, we tend to borrow these traits. Human beings determine how others treat them and how they treat others, which defines our thoughts and behaviors.
The sociocultural theory suggests that culture and interaction is a vital aspect in the development of human being’s abilities. Furthermore, Russian Psychologist Lev Vygotsky explains that different people exhibit different skills, but a social foundation is needed to realize their capabilities (Lally and French 2019). The theory advocates that one needs an environment that guides their development to trigger particular abilities. The idea tends to disagree with the views that suggest that traits are inherited genetically. The theory, however, conforms with the social learning theory.