Page 133 - Media Effects Advances in Theory and Research

122 BANDURA

FIG. 6.1. Schematization of triadic reciprocal causation in the causal model of social
cognitive theory.

plasticity, which is intrinsic to the nature of humans, depends on neuro-
physiological mechanisms and structures that have evolved over time.
These advanced neural systems specialized for processing, retaining, and
using coded information provide the capacity for the very capabilities
that are distinctly human—generative symbolization, forethought, evalu-
ative self-regulation, reflective self-consciousness, and symbolic commu-
nication. These capabilities are addressed in the sections that follow.

SYMBOLIZING CAPABILITY

Social cognitive theory accords a central role to cognitive, vicarious, self-
regulatory, and self-reflective processes. An extraordinary capacity for
symbolization provides humans with a powerful tool for comprehending
their environment and creating and regulating environmental events that
touch virtually every aspect of their lives. Most external influences affect
behavior through cognitive processes rather than directly. Cognitive fac-
tors partly determine which environmental events will be observed, what
meaning will be conferred on them, whether they leave any lasting
effects, what emotional impact and motivating power they will have, and
how the information they convey will be organized for future use. It is
with symbols that people process and transform transient experiences
into cognitive models that serve as guides for judgment and action.
Through symbols, people give meaning, form, and continuity to their
experiences.