It will be important to get into the habit of first completing the readings for the week and then complete the learning activities before focusing on your graded Assignment. Learning activities are non-graded and will be aligned to content you will address in your assignment.

Introductory paragraph: In your readings you learned about the effect of the environment, reinforcement, and the social-cognitive theory on actions and behavior. In this assignment you will have the opportunity to apply these theories and concepts to a current debate about the impact of media on behavior and personality.

Unit 8 Assignment: This week you will complete a 2–3-page expository paper exploring how the environment, reinforcement and social-cognitive theory can work together to influence behavior. Then you will apply that knowledge to the impact of media on behavior and actions in personality development.

• Discuss how the environment, reinforcement, and social-cognitive theory can work together to change behavior.
• Use information about reinforcement and the social cognitive theory to determine if there should be concern about the content of television programs and movies. (Can it impact behavior?)
• Provide reliable research to support your view.

READING AND RESOURCES

Observational learning and self-regulation take center stage in this unit’s reading. The social-cognitive theory will look at how your environment and thinking come together to help determine actions taken. The internal motivations give a form of self-reinforcement when pleasure is derived from accomplishments that gain attention or feel right. Look carefully at the roles of freedom and determinism in these theories as this can give insight into how much you play a part in the choices you make and the person you become.

Read Chapter 11: Albert Bandura and Walter Mischel