Overview
the homework:
Theory serves as the foundation of research since it helps in framing how scholars conceptualize issues, structure studies, and interprets results. Instead of being an optional element, theory provides the connection between abstract concepts and empirical facts. According to Babbie (2017), theories define systemic explanations and guide researchers to understand the relationships among variables. On a similar note, de Vaus (2001) emphasizes that the theories offer coherence to research design by influencing inquiry logic and making sure that research methods are align with its assumptions. In the absence of theory, research is at risk of becoming a set of disconnected observations, rather than a meaningful addition to knowledge.
In psychology, the social cognitive theory by Bandura provides a solid behavioral framework for understanding behavior. This theory focuses on reciprocal determinism, the dynamic interplay between individual factors, conduct, and environmental factors. Among the key tenets of social cognitive theory include significance of observational learning, where people copy the behavior they observe in others, and the role of self-efficacy, which influences motivation and persistence (Burkholder et al., 2020). To embrace this view, one has to assume that human beings are active learners who build knowledge through interaction rather than passive external stimuli recipients.
From philosophical perspective, social cognitive theory represents constructivist epistemology by providing the assumption that knowledge is actively constructed through personal interpretation and social engagement. Ontologically, it presumes that reality is not predetermined but dynamically influenced by continuous interactions between people and their environments (Burkholder et al., 2020). These assumptions, support the worldview that respects human agency, constriction of meaning and contextual influence in human psychological development.
References
Babbie, E. (2017). Basics of social research (7th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Burkholder, G. J., Cox, K. A., Crawford, L. M., & Hitchcock, J. H. (Eds.). (2020). Research design and methods: An applied guide for the scholar-practitioner. SAGE Publications, Inc.
de Vaus, D. A. (2001). Research design in social research. SAGE Publications.
Walden University Library. (2015b). Searching and finding information in the library databases: Overview. http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/searchingfinding
Walden University Library. (2015c). Theorists and theories: Discover theorists & theories. http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/theory
COMENTARY
Yaney,
Thank you for your post! Good work! How would Bandura's theoretical framework specifically apply to your area of interest--why is this an important theory for your research?
Well done!
Dr. Seraphine