Social Cognitive Theory: A Comprehensive Guide to Social Learning

Question 1

Which concept is central to Social Cognitive Theory?

Accepted Answer

Self-efficacy

Answer

Cognitive dissonance

Answer

Classical conditioning

Answer

Operant conditioning

Question 2

In an educational setting, how has Social Cognitive Theory been effectively used to improve student learning?

Accepted Answer

Providing opportunities for students to observe and learn from successful peers

Accepted Answer

Encouraging positive self-beliefs and a sense of self-efficacy in students

Answer

Incorporating technology to enhance learning experiences

Answer

Developing individualized learning plans for each student

Question 3

Which principle is not a component of Social Cognitive Theory?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive restructuring

Answer

Observational learning

Answer

Reciprocal determinism

Answer

Self-efficacy

Question 4

According to Social Cognitive Theory, which of these factors DOES NOT directly influence behavior?

Accepted Answer

Personality traits alone

Answer

Learning by watching others

Answer

Confidence in one's abilities

Answer

Thinking processes

Question 5

What is the term for the belief an individual holds about their capabilities to perform specific tasks?

Accepted Answer

Self-efficacy

Answer

Self-esteem

Answer

Locus of control

Answer

Resilience

Question 6

Which of the following is generally NOT considered a potential outcome of possessing high self-efficacy?

Accepted Answer

Elevated levels of stress and anxiety

Answer

Increased persistence in the face of challenges

Answer

Enhanced motivation to pursue goals

Answer

Improved performance on tasks

Question 7

According to Albert Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory, which concept is considered fundamental?

Accepted Answer

Self-efficacy

Answer

Social norms

Answer

Cognitive schemas

Question 8

According to Social Cognitive Theory, how do environmental and cultural factors affect self-efficacy beliefs?

Accepted Answer

They shape the models people see, which influences their self-views and beliefs.

Answer

They don't affect self-efficacy, which is only determined by genes.

Answer

They only affect self-efficacy in some situations, like school.

Answer

They can only boost self-efficacy in people with high social status.

Question 9

In Social Cognitive Theory, how can interventions be effectively designed to promote positive behavioral change?

Accepted Answer

Enhance self-efficacy through modeling and skill development

Answer

Focus solely on cognitive processes, ignoring social influences

Answer

Use punishment as the main method of behavior modification

Answer

Ignore observational learning as a key factor in shaping behavior

Question 10

In Social Cognitive Theory, how do people mainly learn new behaviors and beliefs?

Accepted Answer

Watching Others

Answer

Direct Teaching

Answer

Rewards and Consequences

Question 11

Which concept is NOT a core component of Social Cognitive Theory?

Accepted Answer

Classical conditioning

Answer

Social learning

Answer

Self-efficacy

Answer

Observational learning

Question 12

What is the primary focus of the concept of self-efficacy in Social Cognitive Theory?

Accepted Answer

An individual's belief in their ability to control outcomes

Answer

An individual's academic competence

Answer

An individual's physical appearance

Answer

An individual's social status

Question 13

Which method is central to observational learning, as described in Social Cognitive Theory?

Accepted Answer

Imitating the actions of others

Answer

Receiving direct instructions

Answer

Experiencing consequences

Answer

Reading informational texts

Question 14

Social Cognitive Theory has found applications in a diverse range of domains. Which of the following is NOT an example?

Accepted Answer

Quantum physics

Answer

Health promotion

Answer

Educational psychology

Answer

Sports performance

Question 15

How do self-regulatory processes contribute to behavior change, according to Social Cognitive Theory?

Accepted Answer

Self-regulation involves setting goals, monitoring behavior, and adjusting actions to reach desired outcomes.

Answer

Self-regulation is mainly driven by external factors like rewards and punishments.

Answer

Self-regulation is not connected to social learning.

Question 16

According to Social Cognitive Theory, how do individuals primarily develop new behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Observing and imitating others through social learning

Answer

Experiencing trial and error without external influences

Answer

Receiving direct instruction from authority figures

Answer

Subconsciously acquiring behaviors through associative learning

Question 17

Reciprocal determinism in Social Cognitive Theory refers to the idea that:

Accepted Answer

Personality traits, behavior, and environment influence one another

Answer

Personality traits solely determine behavior

Answer

Behavior alone influences personality traits

Answer

Environment is the only factor that shapes personality

Question 18

One criticism of Social Cognitive Theory highlights that it:

Accepted Answer

Overemphasizes external factors at the expense of internal factors

Answer

Underestimates the influence of external factors on behavior

Answer

Fails to account for cultural variations in personality

Answer

Is too easy to apply in practical settings

Question 19

Bandura's theory suggests that our self-efficacy beliefs are primarily influenced by:

Accepted Answer

Our past successes and failures

Answer

The expectations and opinions of others

Answer

Our physical appearance and genetic makeup

Answer

Our early childhood experiences

Question 20

According to Social Cognitive Theory, personality is primarily viewed as:

Accepted Answer

A result of ongoing learning and experience

Answer

Unchangeable and fixed from birth

Answer

Solely determined by genetic inheritance

Answer

A balance of genetics and environment

Question 21

Compare and contrast Social Cognitive Theory and Social Learning Theory, highlighting their key similarities and differences.

Accepted Answer

Both theories emphasize the role of observation and modeling in learning.

Accepted Answer

Social Cognitive Theory places greater emphasis on cognitive factors, such as self-efficacy, than Social Learning Theory.

Answer

Social Learning Theory considers the impact of reinforcement and punishment on behavior, while Social Cognitive Theory does not.

Answer

Social Cognitive Theory is more deterministic than Social Learning Theory.

Question 22

According to Social Cognitive Theory, how do individuals primarily learn new behaviors and attitudes?

Accepted Answer

Through observation and imitation of others.

Answer

Through direct experience alone.

Answer

Through reinforcement and punishment.

Answer

Innate instincts and genetic predispositions.

Question 23

What term in Social Cognitive Theory refers to an individual's belief in their ability to successfully accomplish a task or goal?

Accepted Answer

Self-efficacy

Answer

Self-esteem

Answer

Locus of control

Answer

Attributional style

Question 24

Which of the following is considered a method of observational learning, according to Social Cognitive Theory?

Accepted Answer

Watching a live demonstration

Answer

Reading a book

Answer

Receiving feedback from a teacher

Answer

Practicing a skill repeatedly

Question 25

How does Social Cognitive Theory explain the development of aggressive behavior in children?

Accepted Answer

It is primarily learned through observing and imitating aggressive models.

Answer

It is solely due to innate aggressive tendencies.

Answer

It is caused by negative reinforcement and punishment.

Answer

It is a result of environmental factors, such as poverty and lack of opportunity.

Question 26

One criticism of Social Cognitive Theory is that it:

Accepted Answer

Ignores the influence of unconscious processes.

Answer

Overemphasizes the role of genetics.

Answer

Underestimates the importance of direct experience.

Answer

Has not been supported by empirical research.

Question 27

Which of the following factors does NOT influence self-efficacy, according to Social Cognitive Theory?

Accepted Answer

Physical appearance and attractiveness

Answer

Past experiences and accomplishments

Answer

Social support and encouragement

Answer

Emotional state and mood

Question 28

Who is credited with developing Social Cognitive Theory?

Accepted Answer

Albert Bandura

Answer

Sigmund Freud

Answer

Carl Jung

Answer

B.F. Skinner

Question 29

Social Cognitive Theory suggests that anxiety disorders are influenced by which factor?

Accepted Answer

Observational learning

Answer

Genetic predisposition alone

Answer

Irrational thought patterns solely

Answer

Neurochemical imbalances exclusively

Question 30

According to Bandura, individuals acquire knowledge primarily through:

Accepted Answer

Observing and imitating others' actions and outcomes

Answer

Direct experience and feedback

Answer

Cognitive processes and reasoning

Answer

Social interactions and communication

Question 31

Self-efficacy refers to:

Accepted Answer

An individual's belief in their ability to succeed at a task

Answer

The perception of others' expectations

Answer

Motivation to achieve goals

Answer

Level of experience or skill

Question 32

Which of the following studies provided strong evidence supporting Social Cognitive Theory?

Accepted Answer

The Bobo doll experiment

Answer

The Stanford prison experiment

Answer

The Milgram obedience experiment

Answer

The Asch conformity experiment

Question 33

Which of the following situations best illustrates the concept of observational learning?

Accepted Answer

A child learning to sing by listening to their favorite artist

Answer

A student learning to solve math problems by practicing

Answer

A therapist teaching relaxation techniques to a client

Answer

A person developing a fear of heights after watching a horror movie

Question 34

According to Social Cognitive Theory, how do social and cultural factors impact the formation of self-efficacy beliefs?

Accepted Answer

Social norms, values, and beliefs shape expectations and provide models for self-assessment.

Answer

Self-efficacy is solely determined by personal experiences and innate abilities.

Answer

Cultural beliefs have no influence on self-efficacy.

Answer

Social and cultural influences on self-efficacy are exclusive to collectivist cultures.

Question 35

According to Social Cognitive Theory, the primary mechanism by which individuals acquire new behaviors is through:

Accepted Answer

Observational learning

Answer

Reinforcement

Answer

Classical conditioning

Answer

Operant conditioning

Question 36

Which of the following is NOT considered a determinant of self-efficacy in Social Cognitive Theory?

Accepted Answer

Intelligence

Answer

Past performance experiences

Answer

Verbal persuasion from others

Answer

Physiological state

Question 37

In Social Cognitive Theory, the process involving setting goals and working towards them is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Self-regulation

Answer

Self-monitoring

Answer

Self-reinforcement

Answer

Self-assessment

Question 38

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, a type of psychotherapy, is based on the principles of:

Accepted Answer

Social Cognitive Theory

Answer

Humanistic therapy

Answer

Psychoanalytic therapy

Answer

Gestalt therapy

Question 39

Social Cognitive Theory suggests that self-efficacy levels are:

Accepted Answer

Malleable and can be influenced

Answer

Fixed and unchangeable

Answer

Determined solely by genetics

Answer

Dependent on socioeconomic status

Question 40

A criticism of Social Cognitive Theory is that it:

Accepted Answer

Overemphasizes the role of external influences

Answer

Underestimates the impact of cognitive factors

Answer

Is difficult to apply in real-world settings

Answer

Lacks empirical support

Question 41

According to Social Cognitive Theory, social models primarily serve to:

Accepted Answer

Demonstrate desired behaviors

Answer

Provide rewards for desired behaviors

Answer

Offer constructive feedback

Answer

Provide emotional support

Question 42

Which type of self-efficacy belief refers to an individual's belief in their ability to perform specific tasks?

Accepted Answer

Task-specific

Answer

Level-specific

Answer

Self-general

Answer

Global

Question 43

A fundamental principle of Social Cognitive Theory is that:

Accepted Answer

Social learning plays a key role in personality development

Answer

Reinforcement is the primary determinant of behavior

Answer

Unconscious processes drive human behavior

Answer

Personality traits are fixed and unchangeable

Question 44

The individual primarily associated with the development of Social Cognitive Theory is:

Accepted Answer

Albert Bandura

Answer

Carl Rogers

Answer

B.F. Skinner

Answer

Sigmund Freud

Question 45

According to Social Cognitive Theory, individuals primarily learn through:

Accepted Answer

Observing and imitating the actions and behaviors of others

Answer

Reading books and listening to lectures

Answer

Only experiencing situations firsthand

Answer

Innately possessing certain abilities and talents

Question 46

Self-efficacy, as defined by Social Cognitive Theory, refers to:

Accepted Answer

One's belief in their own ability to succeed in a specific task or situation

Answer

One's fear of failure

Answer

One's desire to accomplish a goal

Answer

One's actual level of skill and competence

Question 47

Which of the following factors is **not** included in Social Cognitive Theory's explanation of influences on an individual's self-efficacy?

Accepted Answer

Biological predispositions (e.g., genes, temperament)

Answer

Verbal persuasion (encouragement from others)

Answer

Past experiences (personal successes and failures)

Answer

Vicarious experiences (observing others)

Question 48

The reciprocal determinism model within Social Cognitive Theory suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Behavior, personality, and the environment mutually influence and shape one another

Answer

Personality traits are unchangeable and dictate behavior

Answer

Behavior is solely determined by environmental factors

Question 49

An application of Social Cognitive Theory in the educational context is:

Accepted Answer

Using positive role models to demonstrate and teach desired behaviors

Answer

Providing overly detailed instructions and guidance

Answer

Punishing students for making mistakes

Answer

Relying solely on rote memorization and repetition

Question 50

In Bandura's classic Bobo doll experiment, children who observed violent behavior exhibited:

Accepted Answer

Increased levels of aggressive behavior compared to a control group

Answer

Decreased levels of aggressive behavior compared to a control group

Answer

No significant difference in aggressive behavior compared to a control group

Question 51

Social Cognitive Theory primarily focuses on explaining:

Accepted Answer

How individuals learn, change, and regulate their behavior

Answer

How healthy relationships are formed

Answer

How people make optimal decisions

Answer

How psychological disorders develop

Question 52

Bandura's concept of self-regulated learning emphasizes the:

Accepted Answer

Active involvement of individuals in monitoring and adjusting their own learning strategies

Answer

Reliance on teachers for explicit instructions and feedback

Answer

Passive reception of information through lectures