National Evaluation Series (NES) Assessment of Professional Knowledge Practice Test

Who developed social learning theory?

1. Howard Gardner.

2. Benjamin Bloom.

3. Albert Bandura.

4. Jean Piaget.

The correct answer is: Albert Bandura.

Social learning theory was developed by Albert Bandura, emphasizing the importance of observational learning, imitation, and modeling in the learning process. Bandura proposed that individuals can learn new behaviors by observing others, particularly when they see those behaviors being rewarded. This theory highlights the interplay between cognitive, behavioral, and environmental influences in shaping an individual's learning experience. Bandura's most famous experiment, the Bobo doll experiment, demonstrated how children imitate aggressive behavior observed in adults. This pivotal research established that learning can occur through observation without the need for direct reinforcement, which was a significant departure from the learning theories that primarily emphasized direct conditioning and reinforcement. The other individuals listed made substantial contributions to the field of education and psychology but are not responsible for the development of social learning theory. Howard Gardner is known for his theory of multiple intelligences, Benjamin Bloom is recognized for Bloom's taxonomy of educational objectives, and Jean Piaget is famous for his theory of cognitive development in children. Each of these theorists focused on different aspects of learning and development, but it is Bandura’s work that specifically addresses how social contexts and interactions foster learning.