Theory of Personality (D564) Practice Exam

What is an aspect of Bandura's social learning theory?

1. Genetic influence on behavior

2. Reinforcement through observation

3. Subconscious motivations

4. Environmental determinism

The correct answer is: Reinforcement through observation

Bandura's social learning theory emphasizes the importance of observational learning, imitation, and modeling in the development of behavior. The key aspect is that individuals can learn new behaviors not only through direct experiences but also by observing the actions of others and the consequences of those actions. This process involves reinforcement through observation, where someone observes a model being rewarded or punished for a behavior, which influences their decision to replicate that behavior. This aspect highlights how social context and interactions shape behavior, differing from theories that focus solely on internal drives or genetic predispositions. Bandura's work illustrates that learning can happen in a social environment without the learner having to undergo the same experiences firsthand, effectively conveying the power of observation in human behavior.