FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

Which of the following represents the assumption that learning occurs by observing others?

1. Constructivism

2. Behaviorism

3. Social learning theory

4. Cognitive development theory

The correct answer is: Social learning theory

The correct answer is Social learning theory, which posits that individuals learn new behaviors and information by observing and imitating others. This theory emphasizes the importance of social interaction and the influence of modeled behaviors in the learning process. It suggests that learning can occur even without direct reinforcement or rewards, as individuals observe the behaviors of others and the outcomes that follow, internalizing these lessons for their own future actions. In context, constructivism focuses on the idea that learners construct their own understanding and knowledge of the world through experiences and reflecting on those experiences, rather than primarily through observation. Behaviorism centers on the idea that learning is shaped by external stimuli and responses, often emphasizing reinforcement and punishment. Cognitive development theory primarily addresses how thinking processes evolve over time in individual learners, focusing less on the role of social observation in the learning process. Each of these perspectives contributes to the broader understanding of learning, but social learning theory specifically highlights the role of observation as a key mechanism for learning.