Albert Bandura Quotes on His Theories

On Self-Efficacy:

• "Self-efficacy is the belief in one's capabilities to organize and execute the sources of action required to manage prospective situations." - Self Efficacy in Changing Societies, 1995

• "If efficacy beliefs always reflected only what people can do routinely, they would rarely fail but they would not set aspirations beyond their immediate reach nor mount the extra effort needed to surpass their ordinary performances." - Encyclopedia of Human Behavior, 1994

• "Self-belief does not necessarily ensure success, but self-disbelief assuredly spawns failure." - Self-efficacy: The Exercise of Control, 1997

• "By sticking it out through tough times, people emerge from adversity with a stronger sense of efficacy." - Encyclopedia of Human Behavior, 1994

On Social Learning:

• "Social learning theory posits that people learn by observing and imitating the behavior of others." - Principles of Behavior Modification, 1969

• "Observational learning enables people to acquire new patterns of behavior without directly experiencing the consequences of those behaviors." - Social Foundations of Thought and Action: A Social Cognitive Theory, 1986

• "Modeling influences behavior by providing information about the consequences of behavior, by shaping standards of desirable conduct, and by increasing or decreasing the observer's inhibitions against performing certain behaviors." - Social Learning Theory, 1977

These quotes showcase Bandura's profound understanding of the influence of social interactions and personal beliefs on human behavior. His theories, particularly self-efficacy and social learning, have left an indelible mark on psychology, education, and various fields that seek to comprehend and modify human behaviors.