Social learning theory and the dynamics of interaction

The recent controversy between A. Bandura (see record 1983-22326-001) and D. C. Phillips and R. Orton (see record 1983-22341-001) about the causal relations involved in social interactions prompted a discussion of the proper role for formal models in the analysis of social interactions. The present author argues that (a) Bandura's attempt at formal modeling of patterns of causation is vague and misleading; (b) internal variables, such as expectation and self-monitoring, can easily be handled by formal models; (c) simple deterministic models can behave in unexpectedly complex ways and cannot be ruled out in principle as explanations for social interaction; and (d) unaided verbal reasoning cannot hope to come to grips with the dynamics of even simple interacting systems. (7 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).

Duke Scholars

Author John E. R. Staddon Psychology & Neuroscience