Bandura

Albert Bandura was a Canadian-American psychologist renowned for his work in social cognitive theory and learning processes. Born on December 4, 1925, in Mundare, Alberta, Canada, he made significant contributions to understanding how individuals acquire and maintain behaviors through observation, imitation, and modeling.

Bandura's most influential theory, the social learning theory, emphasizes the importance of observational learning, where people learn by watching others. He proposed that learning occurs within a social context and involves processes such as attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation. His famous "Bobo doll experiment" in the 1960s demonstrated that children could learn aggressive behaviors through observing adult models, highlighting the role of imitation and reinforcement in learning.

Throughout his career, Bandura introduced concepts such as self-efficacy, which refers to an individual's belief in their ability to succeed in specific situations. This concept has been widely applied in fields like education, psychology, and health, influencing approaches to motivation and behavior change.

Bandura held academic positions at several institutions, including Stanford University, where he was a professor of psychology. His research extended to areas like psychotherapy, personality development, and the impact of media on behavior. Besides numerous publications, his work earned him prestigious awards and recognition within the psychological community.

He passed away on July 26, 2021, leaving a legacy as one of the most influential figures in psychology. His theories continue to shape understanding of human behavior, learning, and motivation, underpinning many contemporary applied psychological practices.