Certified Prevention Specialist CPS Practice Exam

Who developed the Social Learning Theory?

1. Albert Bandura

2. Erik Erikson

3. Abraham Maslow

4. David Hawkins and Richard Catalano

The correct answer is: Albert Bandura

The correct answer is Albert Bandura, who is renowned for developing the Social Learning Theory. This theory emphasizes the importance of observing, modeling, and imitating the behaviors, attitudes, and emotional reactions of others. Bandura proposed that learning occurs within a social context, and he illustrated this with his famous Bobo doll experiment, which demonstrated how children imitate aggression modeled by adults. This theory is crucial in understanding how behaviors can be learned and modified through social interaction, not just through direct reinforcement or punishment. Bandura's insights have had a significant impact on various fields, including psychology, education, and substance abuse prevention, making it essential knowledge for anyone in prevention specialist roles. The other figures mentioned—Erik Erikson, Abraham Maslow, and David Hawkins and Richard Catalano—contributed important theories and models within their fields but are not associated with the development of Social Learning Theory. Erikson is known for his psychosocial development stages, Maslow is famous for his hierarchy of needs, and Hawkins and Catalano worked on the Social Development Strategy and related prevention frameworks. Each of their contributions addresses different facets of human development and behavior, distinguishing them from Bandura's focus on social learning.