NYSTCE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Practice Test

Which theory by Albert Bandura suggests that behavior is influenced by cognitive factors, environment, and stimuli?

1. Reciprocal determinism

2. Social constructionism

3. Behaviorism

4. Cognitive dissonance

The correct answer is: Reciprocal determinism

The correct answer, reciprocal determinism, refers to Albert Bandura's theory that emphasizes the dynamic interplay between personal factors, behavior, and the environment. Bandura proposed that an individual’s behavior is not solely shaped by internal cognitive processes or external environments alone; rather, it is the interaction among these elements that influences behavior. For instance, a person's thoughts and beliefs (cognitive factors) inform how they respond to various situations (behavior), while the environment provides stimuli that can prompt or shape these responses. This comprehensive framework is crucial in understanding how learning occurs and how individuals adapt their behaviors based on their surroundings and internal states. By recognizing that behavior, environment, and cognitive processes influence each other, reciprocal determinism offers a more holistic approach than the other theories mentioned. This distinguishes it from behaviorism, which primarily focuses on observable behaviors and external stimuli, or social constructionism and cognitive dissonance, which address social contexts and psychological inconsistencies, respectively, but do not encapsulate the interaction of cognitive, behavioral, and environmental factors as Bandura does.