FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What theory is based on learning from observing the behavior of others?

1. Cognitive learning theory

2. Social learning theory

3. Behaviorism

4. Constructivism

The correct answer is: Social learning theory

The correct choice is based on the premise that individuals can learn new behaviors and acquire new information by observing others rather than through direct experience. This theory emphasizes the importance of social interactions in the learning process. Social learning theory, developed by Albert Bandura, integrates cognitive processes with behavioral aspects, highlighting that what we see can influence what we do. This theory proposes that individuals, especially children, often imitate the behaviors, attitudes, and emotional reactions of those they observe, such as parents, teachers, and peers. The concept of modeling is central to this theory, suggesting that individuals learn both by observing the actions of others and the consequences that follow those actions. This allows learners to form expectations about how certain behaviors are either rewarded or punished, influencing their decisions on whether to engage in similar behavior. In contrast, the other theories, such as cognitive learning theory, focus more on internal mental processes, behaviorism concentrates on observable behaviors devoid of internal thoughts, and constructivism emphasizes knowledge construction through individual experiences rather than social observation. Each of these theories provides a different perspective on the learning process, but social learning theory distinctly highlights the role of observation.