Social and Behavioral Theories Explained: 10 Essential MCQs with Answers
Social and behavioral theories help in understanding how human thoughts, behaviors, and interactions are influenced by various social and environmental factors. These theories are crucial in fields such as psychology, sociology, education, and public health. Key theories include Social Learning Theory, Theory of Planned Behavior, Health Belief Model, and others.
Read: 10 Theories for Social Work Practice
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
Which theory posits that people learn new behaviors by observing others?
- A) Health Belief Model
- B) Social Learning Theory
- C) Theory of Planned Behavior
- D) Self-Determination Theory
Answer: B) Social Learning Theory
Explanation: Social Learning Theory, developed by Albert Bandura, suggests that people can learn new behaviors by observing others and imitating their actions.
The Theory of Planned Behavior includes which of the following components?
- A) Intention, Attitude, Subjective Norms, Perceived Behavioral Control
- B) Motivation, Reward, Punishment
- C) Cognition, Emotion, Environment
- D) Identity, Role, Expectation
Answer: A) Intention, Attitude, Subjective Norms, Perceived Behavioral Control
Explanation: The Theory of Planned Behavior, proposed by Icek Ajzen, includes these four components to predict an individual's intention to engage in a behavior.
Which model is used to predict health behaviors based on individual perceptions of a health threat and the evaluation of recommended health actions?
- A) Social Cognitive Theory
- B) Health Belief Model
- C) Transtheoretical Model
- D) Self-Efficacy Theory
Answer: B) Health Belief Model
Explanation: The Health Belief Model focuses on individuals' perceptions of the threat posed by a health problem, the benefits of avoiding the threat, and factors influencing the decision to act.
Albert Bandura's concept of self-efficacy refers to:
- A) The belief in one's capabilities to execute the actions required to manage prospective situations
- B) The motivation to achieve a specific goal
- C) The degree of reward expected from a behavior
- D) The social support received from peers
Answer: A) The belief in one's capabilities to execute the actions required to manage prospective situations
Explanation: Self-efficacy is a key concept in Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory and refers to an individual's belief in their ability to succeed in specific situations.
The Transtheoretical Model of behavior change includes which stages?
- A) Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance
- B) Planning, Acting, Evaluating, Reflecting
- C) Observation, Imitation, Repetition, Habituation
- D) Awareness, Interest, Desire, Action
Answer: A) Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance
Explanation: The Transtheoretical Model, developed by Prochaska and DiClemente, outlines these stages through which individuals move when changing behavior.
Which theory emphasizes the role of reinforcements and punishments in shaping behavior?
- A) Social Learning Theory
- B) Operant Conditioning
- C) Classical Conditioning
- D) Cognitive Dissonance Theory
Answer: B) Operant Conditioning
Explanation: Operant Conditioning, developed by B.F. Skinner, focuses on how the consequences of a behavior affect the likelihood of that behavior occurring in the future.
Cognitive Dissonance Theory suggests that individuals experience discomfort when:
- A) Their actions are consistent with their beliefs
- B) Their beliefs are challenged by external evidence
- C) They are rewarded for their behavior
- D) Their behaviors and beliefs are inconsistent
Answer: D) Their behaviors and beliefs are inconsistent
Explanation: Cognitive Dissonance Theory, proposed by Leon Festinger, posits that individuals feel psychological discomfort when their actions conflict with their beliefs, leading them to change either the beliefs or the actions to reduce the dissonance.
In Social Cognitive Theory, what is 'reciprocal determinism'?
- A) The process of learning through direct experience
- B) The dynamic interaction between personal factors, behavior, and environment
- C) The expectation of positive outcomes from a behavior
- D) The internal dialogue influencing behavior
Answer: B) The dynamic interaction between personal factors, behavior, and environment
Explanation: Reciprocal determinism, a concept in Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory, suggests that an individual's behavior is influenced by personal factors and the social environment, and these elements also influence each other.
The Expectancy-Value Theory is primarily concerned with:
- A) The balance between expected rewards and actual outcomes
- B) The belief that one can influence future outcomes
- C) The individual's expectations and the value they place on the outcome
- D) The immediate reinforcement received after a behavior
Answer: C) The individual's expectations and the value they place on the outcome
Explanation: Expectancy-Value Theory posits that motivation is determined by the belief in the likelihood of success and the value of the success itself.
Which theory focuses on the individual's readiness to change a specific behavior?
- A) Social Learning Theory
- B) Health Belief Model
- C) Transtheoretical Model
- D) Theory of Reasoned Action
Answer: C) Transtheoretical Model
Explanation: The Transtheoretical Model assesses an individual's readiness to act on a new healthier behavior and provides strategies to guide the individual through the stages of change.
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