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The social cognitive approach to personality has been criticized for which of the following? (Select all that apply.)

a. Underestimating the role of enduring qualities in personality
b. Underestimating the role of the environment in shaping personality
c. Overestimating the role of the unconscious in shaping personality
d. Ignoring the role of biology in shaping personality
e. Making overly specific predictions that are difficult to generalize

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The social cognitive approach to personality is criticized for underestimating enduring qualities, ignoring biological factors, and making specific predictions difficult to generalize.

Step-by-step explanation:

The social cognitive approach to personality has faced criticism primarily for a. Underestimating the role of enduring qualities in personality, d. Ignoring the role of biology in shaping personality, and e. Making overly specific predictions that are difficult to generalize.

Albert Bandura's social cognitive theory emphasizes reciprocal determinism, where cognitive processes, behavior, and context interact with each other. Critics argue that this approach may not sufficiently account for the stable, enduring traits emphasized by trait theorists. Furthermore, the social cognitive approach has been critiqued for not giving enough weight to genetic and biological underpinnings of personality, which are highlighted by biological approaches to personality. Lastly, the specificity of behaviors and situations considered in social cognitive theory can make it challenging to apply its insights broadly, hence the criticism of making overly specific predictions.

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