Social Cognitive Theory: A Comprehensive Guide to Social Learning

Question 1

Which of the following concepts is NOT central to Social Cognitive Theory?

Accepted Answer

Classical conditioning

Answer

Self-efficacy

Answer

Observational learning

Answer

Social comparison

Question 2

According to Social Cognitive Theory, how do social interactions influence the development of personality traits?

Accepted Answer

Social interactions provide models for behavior, which individuals imitate, shaping their personality traits.

Answer

Social interactions have minimal impact on personality development, which is primarily determined by genetics.

Answer

Social interactions can reinforce or inhibit existing personality traits but do not directly shape their development.

Answer

Social interactions solely determine personality traits, as individuals are passive recipients of social influences.

Question 3

In the field of health, which of the following exemplifies a practical application of Social Cognitive Theory?

Accepted Answer

Utilizing role models to encourage healthy habits in a community outreach program

Answer

Conducting personality assessments to identify individuals with high self-efficacy

Answer

Examining dream patterns to reveal underlying psychological concerns

Question 4

In Social Cognitive Theory, how do cognitive mechanisms enhance observational learning?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive mediators, like attention and evaluation, influence what is learned from observation.

Answer

SCT emphasizes only direct imitation of observed behaviors.

Answer

Observational learning in SCT is passive and automatic.

Answer

SCT is mainly relevant to learning experiences in childhood.

Question 5

According to Social Cognitive Theory, which concept suggests that our personality is shaped by the interaction between our thoughts, behaviors, and the social environment?

Accepted Answer

Reciprocal determinism

Answer

Unconscious drives

Answer

Operant conditioning

Answer

Cognitive dissonance

Question 6

Which concept is NOT central to Social Cognitive Theory?

Accepted Answer

Reinforcement

Answer

Social learning

Answer

Observational learning

Answer

Self-efficacy

Question 7

Within Social Cognitive Theory, how does culture impact an individual's beliefs about their own capabilities?

Accepted Answer

Culture shapes expectations and norms that affect an individual's self-efficacy beliefs.

Answer

Culture sets universal standards of self-efficacy for everyone.

Answer

Culture has no influence on an individual's self-efficacy beliefs.

Answer

Culture directly alters an individual's genetic makeup, leading to changes in self-efficacy.

Question 8

In Social Cognitive Theory, how does self-regulation contribute to positive behavioral change?

Accepted Answer

SCT highlights setting realistic goals and monitoring progress.

Answer

SCT emphasizes external rewards and punishments.

Answer

SCT views self-regulation as an innate trait.

Question 9

In Social Cognitive Theory, which application is effective in boosting student engagement by utilizing peer modeling?

Accepted Answer

Peer modeling

Answer

Self-efficacy training

Answer

Observational learning

Answer

Social reinforcement

Question 10

In Social Cognitive Theory, how does social comparison affect an individual's self-assessment?

Accepted Answer

It acts as a standard against which people measure their abilities and self-worth.

Answer

It mainly influences people's adherence to social norms.

Answer

It allows people to create a complete and accurate evaluation of their strengths and weaknesses.

Question 11

In Social Cognitive Theory, how do self-efficacy and behavior influence each other?

Accepted Answer

Self-efficacy and behavior have a reciprocal relationship, influencing each other.

Answer

Self-efficacy directly influences behavior, but behavior does not affect self-efficacy.

Answer

Behavior directly influences self-efficacy, but self-efficacy does not affect behavior.

Question 12

In Social Cognitive Theory, how do genetics and environmental factors interact to influence personality development?

Accepted Answer

Genetics set limits on personality traits, while environment influences their expression.

Answer

Genetics solely determine personality.

Answer

Environmental experiences exclusively shape personality.

Answer

Environment is the only factor that determines personality, with genetics having no role.

Question 13

In Social Cognitive Theory, how do cultural and societal factors shape personality development?

Accepted Answer

By suggesting that individuals learn personality traits through social learning and modeling within their cultural context

Answer

By disregarding cultural influences and focusing only on individual cognitive processes

Answer

By stating that personality is solely determined by genetics, with no role for social factors

Question 14

According to Social Cognitive Theory, how can observational learning influence both positive and negative behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Observational learning can contribute to both positive and negative behaviors, depending on the model and situation.

Answer

Observational learning only promotes positive behaviors and discourages negative behaviors.

Answer

Observational learning only encourages negative behaviors by imitating aggressive or harmful models.

Question 15

In Social Cognitive Theory, how does social support contribute to the development and maintenance of self-efficacy?

Accepted Answer

Social support strengthens self-efficacy through encouragement and modeling.

Answer

Social support weakens self-efficacy by creating pressure and expectations.

Answer

Social support has no impact on self-efficacy, which is shaped by past experiences.

Question 16

How does self-reflection contribute to building self-efficacy in Social Cognitive Theory?

Accepted Answer

It helps people understand their strengths and weaknesses.

Answer

It provides opportunities for others to offer encouragement.

Answer

It encourages people to set challenging goals.

Answer

It has no effect on self-efficacy.

Question 17

Which theory, emphasizing the role of reinforcement and punishment in learning, significantly influenced Albert Bandura's development of Social Cognitive Theory?

Accepted Answer

Behaviorism

Answer

Psychoanalytic Theory

Answer

Cognitive Theory

Question 18

How does observational learning occur in Social Cognitive Theory?

Accepted Answer

People observe, imitate, and retain the behaviors of others

Answer

People are directly rewarded for imitating others' behaviors

Answer

People inherit behavior patterns from their parents

Answer

People are driven by unconscious desires

Question 19

What role does self-efficacy play in shaping behavior?

Accepted Answer

It increases motivation, effort, and persistence

Answer

It reduces anxiety and fear

Answer

It guarantees success in all endeavors

Answer

It has no significant impact on behavior

Question 20

In Social Cognitive Theory, what is the concept of reciprocal determinism?

Accepted Answer

Behavior, environment, personal factors, and cognition interact and influence each other

Answer

Behavior is solely determined by environmental factors

Answer

Personality is fixed and unchangeable

Answer

Cognitive processes have no impact on behavior

Question 21

Which of the following researchers developed Social Cognitive Theory?

Accepted Answer

Albert Bandura

Answer

Sigmund Freud

Answer

Carl Rogers

Answer

B.F. Skinner

Question 22

How can Social Cognitive Theory principles be used to improve self-regulation?

Accepted Answer

Observing and imitating self-regulation strategies through modeling and vicarious reinforcement

Answer

Setting personal goals and self-monitoring without external support

Answer

Relying solely on self-efficacy beliefs without practical strategies

Answer

Social Cognitive Theory does not offer practical strategies for enhancing self-regulation

Question 23

In Social Cognitive Theory, how does modeling influence the development of gender-specific behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Through observation, children learn and imitate behaviors linked to their perceived gender roles.

Answer

Modeling directly rewards conformity to gender roles.

Answer

Modeling boosts self-efficacy, motivating individuals to adopt observed behaviors.

Answer

Modeling only affects behavior when rewards are explicitly given.

Question 24

How do cognitive processes shape personality development according to Social Cognitive Theory?

Accepted Answer

By influencing self-efficacy and behavioral choices.

Answer

By reinforcing behaviors through rewards and punishments.

Answer

By determining unconscious motivations and desires.

Answer

By emphasizing early childhood experiences as the primary determinant of personality.

Question 25

According to Social Cognitive Theory, how does culture influence the formation of self-efficacy beliefs?

Accepted Answer

Culture offers specific role models and societal expectations that shape self-efficacy beliefs.

Answer

Culture has no effect on self-efficacy beliefs.

Answer

Self-efficacy beliefs are solely influenced by personal experiences.

Question 26

Compared to other personality theories, a unique strength of Social Cognitive Theory is its focus on:

Accepted Answer

External factors, such as social learning and modeling

Answer

Biological processes, such as genetics and brain chemistry

Answer

A deterministic approach to personality, where behavior is controlled by unconscious forces

Question 27

In educational settings, using observational learning techniques raises ethical concerns. How should we balance the potential benefits with the risks?

Accepted Answer

Weighing potential benefits against risks is crucial for ethical decision-making.

Answer

Observational learning is ethically risk-free.

Answer

Observational learning should be limited to teaching positive behaviors.

Question 28

According to Social Cognitive Theory, how does self-efficacy contribute to the formation of healthy habits and behaviors?

Accepted Answer

By enhancing self-belief through observing and imitating successful behaviors

Answer

By setting unrealistic goals and rewarding failures

Answer

By reducing self-reflection and encouraging impulsive decision-making

Answer

By solely emphasizing external factors and ignoring personal beliefs in shaping behavior

Question 29

Which concept is central to Social Cognitive Theory?

Accepted Answer

Observational Learning

Answer

Unconscious Drives

Answer

Genetic Inheritance

Answer

Abstract Reasoning

Question 30

In Social Cognitive Theory, which factor is NOT considered a primary influence on personality development?

Accepted Answer

Biological factors

Answer

Social learning

Answer

Self-efficacy

Question 31

In Social Cognitive Theory, which factors did Bandura emphasize as crucial?

Accepted Answer

Social influences and self-efficacy beliefs

Answer

Genetic predispositions

Answer

Unconscious drives

Answer

Random reinforcement

Question 32

Which of the following is **not** a key concept of Social Cognitive Theory?

Accepted Answer

Genetic influences

Answer

Reciprocal determinism

Answer

Observational learning

Question 33

According to Bandura, what is the **primary** source of self-efficacy?

Accepted Answer

Past experiences and observations

Answer

Verbal persuasion

Answer

Physiological arousal

Answer

Social comparison

Question 34

How does Social Cognitive Theory explain the development of aggression?

Accepted Answer

It is learned through observation and reinforcement, rather than being primarily driven by innate factors.

Answer

It is caused by frustration and anxiety, with no social learning component.

Answer

It is an innate biological response that cannot be modified.

Question 35

Which of the following is an application of Social Cognitive Theory in the realm of education?

Accepted Answer

Using role models to promote positive behaviors

Answer

Administering standardized tests to measure student achievement

Answer

Providing students with rewards for good grades as the sole motivator

Answer

Punishing students for misbehavior without considering underlying causes

Question 36

What role does self-regulation play in Social Cognitive Theory?

Accepted Answer

It enables individuals to control their thoughts and behaviors, contributing to personal agency.

Answer

It is distinct from self-efficacy and does not influence behavior.

Answer

It is responsible for shaping self-concept, rather than regulating actions.

Question 37

Which of the following is a potential limitation of Social Cognitive Theory?

Accepted Answer

It does not fully account for the influence of unconscious processes on behavior.

Answer

It is overly complex and difficult to understand.

Answer

It is not applicable across diverse cultures and contexts.

Question 38

How does Social Cognitive Theory differ from other personality theories, such as psychoanalysis?

Accepted Answer

It emphasizes the role of cognitive processes, social learning, and environmental factors, rather than focusing solely on unconscious drives and childhood experiences.

Answer

It assumes that personality is fixed and unchangeable throughout the lifespan.

Answer

It focuses exclusively on biological factors and genetics.

Question 39

Which of the following has been a criticism of Bandura's operationalization of self-efficacy?

Accepted Answer

It relies heavily on self-report measures, which may be subjective and prone to bias.

Answer

It is not valid and does not accurately measure self-efficacy.

Answer

It is not reliable and produces inconsistent results.

Answer

It is too broad and encompasses a wide range of behaviors.

Question 40

How has Social Cognitive Theory been utilized to promote healthy behaviors?

Accepted Answer

It has been used to develop interventions that aim to change health-related behaviors by targeting cognitive processes and social influences.

Answer

It has been used to develop medications to cure physical ailments.

Answer

It has been used to identify risk factors for chronic diseases, but not to intervene.

Question 41

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

Accepted Answer

Observing and imitating others

Answer

Unconscious drives and instincts

Answer

Reinforcement and punishment

Answer

Innate genetic predispositions

Question 42

Self-efficacy refers to an individual's belief in their:

Accepted Answer

Ability to succeed

Answer

Physical appearance and attractiveness

Answer

Social status and popularity

Answer

Intelligence and abilities

Question 43

Which of the following factors does Social Cognitive Theory emphasize as influencing behavior bi-directionally?

Accepted Answer

Reciprocal determinism

Answer

Social expectations

Answer

Unconscious motivations

Answer

Genetic predispositions

Question 44

In a social cognitive perspective, what is a significant effect of modeling?

Accepted Answer

It can teach new behaviors and strengthen existing ones.

Answer

It affects only young children and not adults.

Answer

Its effectiveness depends solely on the similarity between the model and the observer.

Question 45

According to Social Cognitive Theory, self-regulation involves:

Accepted Answer

Setting goals, monitoring progress, and adjusting strategies

Answer

Avoiding challenging situations

Answer

Repressing thoughts and emotions

Question 46

Which of the following would be considered a distal model in Social Cognitive Theory?

Accepted Answer

A celebrity

Answer

A family member

Answer

A teacher

Answer

A friend

Question 47

How does Social Cognitive Theory explain the development of gender roles?

Accepted Answer

Through observational learning and reinforcement

Answer

Through cultural expectations and societal norms

Answer

Through biological predispositions and instincts

Answer

Through unconscious motivations and drives

Question 48

Which strategy is recommended by Social Cognitive Theory to enhance self-efficacy?

Accepted Answer

Setting realistic goals and seeking support

Answer

Comparing oneself to others and feeling inferior

Answer

Avoiding challenging situations and giving up easily

Answer

Focusing on past failures and setbacks

Question 49

Social Cognitive Theory has been applied in a variety of areas, including:

Accepted Answer

Education, health, and therapy

Answer

Primarily criminal justice and law enforcement

Answer

Only business and marketing

Question 50

Which of the following is NOT a core concept of Social Cognitive Theory?

Accepted Answer

Unconscious drives

Answer

Observational learning

Answer

Reciprocal determinism

Answer

Self-efficacy

Question 51

According to Bandura, what does self-efficacy refer to?

Accepted Answer

An individual's belief in their ability to succeed in a specific situation.

Answer

The tendency to conform to social norms.

Answer

The unconscious desire for self-improvement.

Question 52

A child observes their older sibling successfully negotiating a later bedtime. According to Social Cognitive Theory, what is the MOST likely outcome for the child?

Accepted Answer

The child will attempt to negotiate a later bedtime for themselves.

Answer

The child will demand an earlier bedtime.

Answer

The child will develop a fear of the dark.

Question 53

Which of the following BEST exemplifies reciprocal determinism?

Accepted Answer

A student's positive attitude towards learning (cognitive) leads to more effort in class (behavior), which results in the teacher providing more encouragement (environment), further boosting the student's attitude.

Answer

A person's genetic predisposition determines their personality.

Question 54

Bandura's Bobo doll experiment primarily demonstrated the power of:

Accepted Answer

Observational learning and modeling on aggressive behavior.

Answer

Classical conditioning in shaping emotional responses.

Answer

Genetic predisposition to aggression in children.

Question 55

Which factor is LEAST likely to influence an individual's self-efficacy in a specific task?

Accepted Answer

Their astrological sign.

Answer

Verbal encouragement or discouragement from others.

Answer

Their past experiences with similar tasks.

Answer

Observing others' success or failure in the task.

Question 56

Social Cognitive Theory proposes that personality development is:

Accepted Answer

A dynamic interplay of personal factors, behavior, and the environment.

Answer

Primarily determined by genetics and biological factors.

Answer

Fixed in early childhood and resistant to change.

Question 57

A therapist applying Social Cognitive Theory to help a client overcome social anxiety would MOST likely focus on:

Accepted Answer

Identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and practicing social skills in a supportive environment.

Answer

Uncovering unconscious conflicts from childhood experiences.

Question 58

Within Social Cognitive Theory, what is the role of vicarious reinforcement?

Accepted Answer

It influences behavior by observing the consequences of others' actions.

Answer

It refers to the internal rewards of acting morally.

Answer

It reinforces pre-existing beliefs and biases.

Question 59

Social Cognitive Theory has been influential in understanding the impact of _________ on behavior.

Accepted Answer

Media violence

Answer

Genetic predispositions

Answer

Dream analysis

Answer

Freudian slips