An Attempt to Conceptualize Areas of Contradiction Between Social Learning Theory and Phenomenological Theory / John P. Dolly and Chad D. Ellett.

The purpose of this paper is to review some of the current research in "modeling" or "imitation" learning that supports basic elements of social learning theory, its effects on overt behavior, and its relationship to subjects' self-evaluations. An attempt is made to point out the theoretical discrepancies that exist between social learning, social comparison, and phenomenological theories in predicting modeling research outcomes and explaining past research results. The paper points out the modeling research has neglected to consider subjects' self-evaluation and task competence as factors possibly mediating the acquisition and performance of behavior. Specific recommendations are offered in the design of future studies in modeling, and suggestions given that might more adequately account for the data obtained in modeling research to date. (Author)

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