In his social learning theory, what does Bandura mean by reciprocal determinism?

Reciprocal determinism is a key component of Bandura's social learning theory, which emphasizes the interplay between three critical factors: individual behavior, personal factors (such as cognitive processes and emotions), and environmental influences. This concept illustrates that these elements are interconnected; an individual’s behavior can influence their environment, and in turn, their environment can shape their behavior.

For instance, if a child observes positive outcomes from a certain behavior, that experience may impact their future actions and their interactions with others in their environment. This continuous feedback loop highlights the complexity of learning and development, demonstrating that it is not solely the result of individual efforts or just environmental factors alone. Instead, understanding behavior requires recognizing the dynamic relationship among the individual, their actions, and their surrounding environment.

Other options lack this multidimensional approach. One suggests that learning is solely a product of individual effort, disregarding any environmental or social influences. Another implies a purely social process that overlooks the personal agency of the learner. The fourth option reduces learning to just environmental impacts, failing to acknowledge how individual behaviors and cognitive processes also contribute to learning.