Which theory explains behavior through the concepts of role models and reinforcement, associated with researcher Bandura?

The theory that explains behavior through the concepts of role models and reinforcement, associated with researcher Albert Bandura, is the social learning theory. This theory posits that individuals learn new behaviors and acquire new information by observing others, rather than solely through direct experience or reinforcement. Bandura emphasized that when individuals observe others being rewarded for their behavior, they can be motivated to imitate that behavior, a process known as modeling. This interaction between observational learning and the effects of reinforcement helps explain how social influences and interpersonal dynamics contribute to behavior development.

In contrast, cognitive theory focuses on internal mental processes and how they influence behavior, while behaviorist theory emphasizes the role of external stimuli and reinforcement in shaping behavior without considering cognitive processes. Humanistic theory, on the other hand, emphasizes personal growth and the individual's subjective experience, which is different from the focus on observational learning found in social learning theory. Therefore, social learning theory is the most appropriate choice for explaining behavior through role models and reinforcement in the context provided.