Social Cognitive Theory in the Context of Media Effects

Applying Social Cognitive Theory
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Applying Social Cognitive Theory
The assignment is based on Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) in the context of media effects. There are two articles provided for this assignment. (Each question needs at least one-page answer please).Questions for the second part1. What proportion of the studies described by the class deal with positive or pro-social effects versus negative or anti-social effects? Are there any studies where the answer is unclear or ambiguous?
The researchers of the study were able to identify certain factors that have both positive and negative connotations in the social setting. According to Bandura (2001), a person will act according to his or her personal moral standard, but this moral behavior is dependent on learned rules and conduct from the social environment that they are interacting with. In the case of bullying, the study highlighted the relationship of cyber-bullying with moral disengagement proneness. The study design considered the victims’ susceptibility, and discounted humor from bullying, such that a cyberbully is not granted moral justification in the assumption that his expression is humorous (Savage et al., 2017). The intention of the authors was clear and concise, as they were able to present statistical data into an intervention message. Insightfully, the researchers were able to translate data into a statement that reinforced how people should be more aware and responsible of being empathic and understanding in the cyber setting.
On the positive side, Social cognitive theory offers the study an opportunity to illustrate how our environment changes our own behavior and paves the way for new kinds of expressions (Bandura,2001). The concept of facilitation lends the definition for how recommended behaviors are reinforced with the right setting and resources. In the study’s intervention message, the narrative describes how a person should tap his or her own personal resources, and have self awareness and self efficacy to enact the recommended behavior when it comes to bullying. As such, the study is able to fill in essential information to further health communication studies as it successfully applies theory-based message design research through the SCT. In their methodology, they were precise and specific in collecting evidence to create a credible persuasive message design. Overall, the researchers were able to add in the field of knowledge that can support in the development of cyberbullying prevention programs (Savage et al., 2017).
2. Based on the evidence you’ve heard in these studies, how well do you think Social Cognitive Theory explains at least some types of media effects (intentional or unintentional effect, short term or long-term effect, etc). That is, does the evidence suggest that its helpful in terms of predicting what kinds of effects particular media might have or designing messages that might influence the audience? Please expl...