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The issue in question is whether the motivation for change, acknowledged in all theories,
involves cognitive skills or standardized mental formations. Bandura (1977) reported all
learning requires certain prior capabilities. In addition to direct modeling, frequently tele-
vised vicarious influence has triumphed over the supremacy of direct experience accord-
ing to Bandura (1986). Biased impressions often emerge observationally through over-gen-
eralizing exposure to a limited range of the activities and experiences of others (Bandura
1977). Learning from the images expressed by the mass media is a good working example.
The world of television is full of villainous and unscrupulous characters and can distort
knowledge about the real world. Whether in thought patterns, values, attitudes, or styles of
behavior, life is a progressive simulation of the media (Bandura 1986).
Experimentation indicated self-guided modeling combined with overt and covert sym-
bolic rehearsal functions to advance cognitive and behavioral functioning (Bandura 1977).
Bandura (1977) discussed the internalization of verbal self-control or covert self-instruc-
tions initially restricted by verbal instructions from others. Subsequent guidelines for the
actions are overt self-instructions or instructions said aloud. Demonstrations of such task
instructions include both overt and covert components. The verbalizations serve to integ-
rate analyses of task requisites, symbolic rehearsal of a plan of action, self-instruction-
al guides for performance, and manageable self-statements to counteract self-weakening
thoughts and verbal self-rewards for accomplishments (Bandura 1977). The process com-
monly exists as self-talk.
Through a highly developed cognitive capability, together with the incredible suppleness
of symbolization, individuals can generate ideas that go beyond their sensory experiences.
This human distinction allows the communication of ideas through the means of symbols
at almost every distance in time and space (Bandura 1986).
The use of cognitively based motivation helps to determine how individuals instigate
and sustain behavior over time. Outcomes serve to change behavior largely through the in-
tervening influences of thought. Bandura (1977) described a capability in thought to pre-
dict future consequences. Because knowledge gained by reaction and consequences helps
to affirm a cognitive process, consequences rarely result in a change in complex behavior
when no understanding exists of the behavior being enforced (Bandura 1977). Actions that
positively affect behavior result in the expectation that the behavior will yield the desired
outcomes (Bandura 1977). By making the connection between current actions and future
outcomes, individuals can seek personal control over their lives.
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