Which statement best summarizes the main idea of reciprocal determinism in cognitive psychology?

• A. Environment and behavior are unrelated in the process of learning.
• B. Behavior is solely determined by environmental stimuli.
• C. Personal factors have no impact on behavior or environment.
• D. Behavior, personal factors, and environment all influence each other in a continuous cycle.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that reciprocal determinism is a concept introduced by Albert Bandura in cognitive psychology, which explains the dynamic and reciprocal interaction between three factors: behavior, personal factors (such as cognitive skills, attitudes, and emotions), and the environment.
2. Recognize that reciprocal determinism suggests that these three factors influence each other continuously, meaning that behavior can affect the environment and personal factors, the environment can influence behavior and personal factors, and personal factors can impact behavior and the environment.
3. Analyze each statement in the problem to see if it reflects this mutual influence: the first three statements deny the interaction or limit it to one direction, which contradicts the idea of reciprocal determinism.
4. Identify that the correct summary must include the idea that behavior, personal factors, and environment all influence each other in a continuous cycle, capturing the essence of reciprocal determinism.
5. Conclude that the statement 'Behavior, personal factors, and environment all influence each other in a continuous cycle' best summarizes the main idea of reciprocal determinism.