Which are the core factors in Social Cognitive Theory?

• A. Environmental, Personal
• B. Behavioral, Personal
• C. Environmental, Behavioral
• D. Environmental, Behavioral, Personal

Answer: (D)

In Social Cognitive Theory, learning and behavior come from the dynamic interplay of three factors: environmental influences, personal factors (cognition, beliefs, expectations, self-efficacy), and the behaviors themselves. This triadic reciprocal determinism means each part shapes and is shaped by the others: the environment can cue or reinforce actions, our personal thoughts and beliefs influence what we choose to do, and the actions we take can, in turn, alter the environment and affect our self-perceptions. Recognizing all three factors is essential because it captures how people learn not only from direct experience but also by observing others and interpreting those experiences through their own beliefs. If you only consider two components, you miss the feedback loop that drives change in both behavior and mindset. Therefore, the core factors are Environmental, Personal, and Behavioral.