Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Practice Exam

Who is the psychologist associated with the theory of observational learning?

1. Sigmund Freud

2. Carl Rogers

3. Albert Bandura

4. B.F. Skinner

The correct answer is: Albert Bandura

The correct response highlights Albert Bandura, who is recognized as the psychologist associated with the theory of observational learning. Bandura's work revolves around the concept that individuals can learn new behaviors and information by watching others, a process known as modeling or imitation. This theory suggests that learning can occur without direct reinforcement, meaning that one does not have to personally experience a behavior to learn it; rather, seeing another person perform the behavior can be sufficient. Bandura's famous experiments, particularly the Bobo doll experiment, illustrated how children could imitate aggressive behavior merely by observing adults interacting with a doll. This research significantly contributed to the understanding of social learning and has impacted educational practices, therapy methods, and discussions on aggression in media. In contrast, the other psychologists mentioned focus on different aspects of psychology. Sigmund Freud is known for psychoanalytic theory, which emphasizes unconscious processes and childhood experiences; Carl Rogers is associated with humanistic psychology and person-centered therapy; B.F. Skinner is known for behaviorism, particularly operant conditioning and reinforcement. Each of these figures has made substantial contributions to psychology, but Bandura specifically advanced the idea of learning through observation, making him the key figure for this concept.