FTCE Physical Education K-12 Practice Test

Which concept posits that individuals can learn by observing the behavior of others?

1. Attribution theory

2. Self-efficacy

3. Social learning theory

4. Learned helplessness

The correct answer is: Social learning theory

The concept that individuals can learn by observing the behavior of others is known as social learning theory. This theory, developed by Albert Bandura, emphasizes the idea that people can acquire new behaviors and knowledge not just through direct experience but also by watching others, particularly role models. Observational learning involves four key processes: attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation. This means that for learning to occur, a person must pay attention to the model, remember what they observed, be able to reproduce the behavior, and have a reason or motivation to perform it. The other concepts listed do not focus on learning through observation. Attribution theory deals with how individuals interpret events and how this cognitive process affects their motivation. Self-efficacy refers to a person's belief in their ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task. Learned helplessness involves a state where individuals feel they have no control over the outcomes of their actions, leading to a lack of effort in learning new behaviors. Thus, social learning theory specifically addresses the role of observational learning in the acquisition of new behaviors.