Social, Cognitive, and Neurological Factors in Learning

AP Psychology· difficulty 3/5

A researcher pairs 5-year-olds with either a same-age peer or a slightly older child to solve a 24-piece puzzle. Children paired with the older child completed the puzzle 38% faster and, when later tested alone, solved a similar puzzle more independently. The older child often pointed at corner pieces and said, "Try those first."

These findings most directly support which theorist's view of cognitive development?

  • A

    Piaget's stage theory

  • B

    Vygotsky's sociocultural theory

    check_circle
  • C

    Bandura's reciprocal determinism

  • D

    Skinner's operant theory

Explanation

Vygotsky emphasized that cognitive development occurs through social interaction with more knowledgeable others. Piaget emphasized individual discovery; Skinner emphasized reinforcement; Bandura focused on observational learning and mutual influence among person, behavior, and environment.

Want 10 more like this — adaptive to your weak spots?

Related questions