What is a key component of personality according to social-cognitive theory?

In social-cognitive theory, a fundamental component of personality is the concept of observational learning and imitation. This theory, primarily associated with Albert Bandura, emphasizes that individuals develop their behaviors, beliefs, and personality traits not solely through personal experiences but also by observing and imitating others in their environment.

Observational learning highlights how people acquire new behaviors and norms by watching the actions of others and the consequences that follow. This process explains how individuals can learn various behaviors without direct experience or reinforcement, influencing the development of their own personality traits. For instance, a child may learn aggression by watching violent behaviors on television or may imitate positive social behaviors observed in parents or peers.

Other options relate to factors in personality but do not capture the core emphasis of social-cognitive theory on learning through social interaction. Genetic predisposition (often connected to biological theories) and biological drives focus more on innate factors rather than learned experiences. Cultural background is important in shaping behaviors and attitudes, but it does not specifically address the mechanisms of observational learning that are central to social-cognitive theory. Thus, observational learning and imitation serve as crucial processes for understanding personality development within this theoretical framework.