Which theorist proposed that a person's behavior is shaped primarily by social learning?

• A. Adler
• B. Kohlberg
• C. Bandura
• D. Erikson

Answer: (C)

The theorist who proposed that a person's behavior is shaped primarily by social learning is Bandura. He is best known for his work on social learning theory, which emphasizes that people can learn new behaviors through observation, imitation, and modeling of others, rather than solely through direct experience or reinforcement. Bandura's famous Bobo doll experiment demonstrated that children could learn aggressive behaviors by observing adults, showcasing the importance of social influences in shaping behavior.

Social learning theory integrates concepts from traditional learning theories with a focus on the social context of learning. Bandura emphasized the role of cognitive processes in learning by highlighting factors such as attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation. This approach has had significant implications for understanding behavior in various contexts, including education, parenting, and therapy.

The other theorists mentioned—Adler, Kohlberg, and Erikson—focused on different aspects of personality and development. Adler concentrated on individual psychology and the importance of social connection and inferiority complexes. Kohlberg developed a theory of moral development that examined how individuals progress through different stages of moral reasoning. Erikson is known for his psychosocial development theory, outlining stages of social and emotional growth across the lifespan. While each of these theorists offered valuable insights into human behavior, Bandura