Every culture in the world has distinct social norms and expectations. The norms are transferred through peer influence and academic achievements, to mention a few. The social learning concept places more emphasis on the social contexts in which behaviors are acquired. This paper summarizes four journal articles relating to cultural predictors of social learning influence, discusses how the findings of the studies can be applied in the real world, and recommendations for future research.

Hillman, N. (2017). Applying social learning theory constructs to better understand non-prescription stimulant use in college students (Doctoral dissertation). https://minds.wisconsin.edu/bitstream/handle/1793/75627/HillmanThesis%20PDF.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

This study aimed to measure the influence of academic self-accuracy and social learning theory on non-prescription stimulant use (NPSU) among college students. The literature reviewed noted that prolonged prescription stimulant use could lead to depression and dependence, cardiovascular concerns, and seizures, among other serious health concerns. The author sent online surveys to 396 undergraduate students at Midwestern University. The students who completed the study were classified as juniors, seniors, and sophomores at the Midwestern university. The students reported using NPSU prescription within the past 12 months perceived the behavior as more positive than its cost. The students using NPSU prescription were also found to associate more with friends with NPSU addictions. The study found a significant relationship between self-accuracy and past usage of NPSU, but this was not the case when social learning theory constructs were added to the model.  Read

Ekenedo, G., & Elechi, S. (2020). Social And Cultural Predictors Of Tattooing Among Athletes Of Federal Universities In Nigeria. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 7(4), 423-430. DOI: 10.14738/assrj.74.8169

This study aimed to investigate the cultural and social predictors of tattooing among athletes of Federal Universities in Nigeria. The reviewed literature revealed that tattooing is increasingly becoming popular among the athletes and the people in the entertainment industry. It was also observed that tattooing dates back during the pre-colonial era and was done for beauty, superstitious beliefs, witchcraft, or to signify tribal clan wars. The author issued validated structured questionnaires to 594 athletes selected to act as respondents through quota sampling. The data collected was then analyzed using SPSS version 21. The study found peer group influence as a significant predictor of tattooing in Federal Universities in Nigeria. The author also found family, personal achievements, traditional beliefs, and academic backgrounds to be significant predictors of tattooing. social learning influence;

Koc, K., & Turan, M. B. (2018). The Impact of Cultural Intelligence on Social Skills among University Students. Journal of Education and Learning, 7(6), 241-249. doi:10.5539/jel.v7n6p241

This study aimed to examine the impacts of cultural intelligence on social skills in the case of the School of Physical Educational and Sports’ students. The article defined cultural intelligence as the ability of individuals to adjust behaviors to fit in the cultures they interact with. The author used a mix of data collection methods, including cultural intelligence scale, social-demographic Information form, and social skills inventory. The paper found that an increase in academic achievement among students resulted in improved social skills. The article also found a positive relationship between cognitive dimensions of cultural intelligence and the social sensitivity dimension of social skills. Additionally, the study found a positive correlation between the motivational size of cultural intelligence and factors such as emotional sensitivity, social control dimensions of social skills, and emotional expressivity.

Plotts, C. (2018). Latino/a Cultural Perspectives of Social Presence: A Case Study. International Journal of Educational Technology, 5(1), 29-36. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1182236.pdf

This article aimed to investigate the perceptions of Latino/a students on social presence in online courses. The author used semi-structured interviews to collect data regarding Latino/s students’ perception of social presence in online courses. The literature review found that individuals face barriers to the acculturative process. The obstacles include lack of cultural competence among faculty members, limited multicultural teaching and learning perspectives, resistance to cultural training by the faculty, and writing proficiency. The qualitative study used seven students recruited from a college in the Northeast part of the United States. The article found that Latino/a students experience a higher level of stress and anxiety than their peers. The Latino/a cultural norm significantly differs from online learning experiences norms. social learning influence;

In conclusion, Hillman’s findings can be used by counseling professionals to help them understand the increase of NPSU among college students. This would, in turn, help the counseling professionals to help the students who are at risk. Future research on this topic should examine factors such as stress, depression, and anxiety when predicting non-medical use of stimulants on college students. Additionally, future research on the subject should consider time-series research design when analyzing the mediating and moderating variables. The findings of the study done by Ekenedo & Elechi can have positive impacts on health education and communication programming. This is because health practitioners can use sports celebrities for marketing the health hazards of tattooing. This would, in turn, help athletes desiring to engage in the practice to make more informed decisions. The study results by Koc & Turan can be used to provide solutions to the current problems facing educational curricula globally. It can also be used to solve other global issues, including terrorism, famine, and the environment. Future research on this topic should focus on programs that involve teachers’ and students’ efforts in improving cultural intelligence and socialization. Understand the framework of social presence from Latino/a perspective can influence the quality of online learning experience for Latino/a students in the United States. Future studies on the topic should focus on more colleges and those located in different regions. Additionally, future studies should also investigate the perspectives of other ethnic groups different from Latinos. social learning influence;