Theory of Personality (D564) Practice Exam 2025 – The All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The theory that posits behavior is influenced by the interaction of cognitions, behaviors, and the environment is known as social cognitive theory. This approach emphasizes the role of observational learning, imitation, and modeling, highlighting that individuals learn and develop through their interactions with their social environment and by observing others.

Key to social cognitive theory is the idea of reciprocal determinism, which means that personal factors (such as cognitions and emotions), behaviors, and environmental factors continuously interact and influence one another. For example, a person may observe peer behavior (environment) and internalize thoughts about it (cognition), which can then affect their subsequent actions (behavior).

Other theories mentioned don't encapsulate this triadic interaction as comprehensively. Cognitive theory focuses more on mental processes without the emphasis on environmental influence. Behaviorism primarily concentrates on observable behaviors and external stimuli, rather than considering cognitive processes. Psychoanalytic theory centers around unconscious motivations and internal conflicts, not the dynamic interplay of cognition, behavior, and environment. Thus, social cognitive theory is the most fitting choice for this question.