CAREER DEVELOPMENT THEORIES

COGNITION
Contributors: A Bandura, R Hawthorn, B Law, J M Kidd J Killeen, J D Krumboltz, A.S Levin, and K.E. Mitchell

SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY OF CAREERS DECISION MAKING

Learning Theories suggest that it is an individual's unique learning experiences over their lifespan that develops the primary influences that lead to career choice.

Mitchell and Krumboltz’ Social Learning Theory of Careers Decision Making (SLTCDM 1976) identifies four categories of influencers that affected career decision making:

1. Genetic Endowment and Special Abilities e.g. IQ, gender, appearance, race, ‘natural/gifted’ talent 2. Environmental Conditions and Events e.g. economic climate, technological development, educational system 3. Learning Experiences e.g. instrumental and associative learning experiences
Instrumental Learning Experiences
Reinforcement theory suggests that an individual will develop preferences through encouragement or discouragement and this will be directly connected with repeat behaviour. For example, if someone is praised for an action (positive reinforcement), they are more likely to repeat or build on that experience. Equally, if someone succeeds with an activity (for example, an academic subject), then they are more likely to pursue it.

Associative Learning Experiences
Associative learning describes how emotions can become attached to otherwise neutral events or observations. For example, if a person becomes stuck in a lift, they may develop an aversion to lifts which can be enduring unless they overcome the aversion and return the experience to its neutral state. Similarly, positive emotions connected with a person or some information (for example, an employer presentation or an inspiring teacher) can influence an individual’s perception and behaviour.

4. Task Approach Skills e.g. performance