Final answer:
Bandura's social-cognitive theory suggests that our personality and behavior are shaped by a mutual interaction of cognitive processes, behavior, and environmental context, a process known as reciprocal determinism. The correct answer is A.
Step-by-step explanation:
Within the realm of social-cognitive theory, Albert Bandura proposes that personality and behavior are a product of the interaction between an individual, their behaviors, and the environment.
This concept is known as reciprocal determinism, which indicates a fluid and ongoing process where personal factors, behavior, and the environment mutually influence each other.
According to Bandura, an individual's behavior is influenced by their cognitive processes and previous learning experiences, which include their beliefs, expectations, and overall personality traits.
Observable behavior that may be rewarded or punished also plays an essential role and is viewed within the context of the environmental or situational factors present at the time. In this way, factors such as observational learning, self-efficacy, and certain cognitive and personal elements contribute significantly to the way humans learn and develop their personalities.
The correct answer to the student's question is A) the individual, the environment, and the actual behavior. Bandura highlighted that these three components interact and influence each other when determining human action.
This triadic reciprocality forms the foundation of Bandura's theory, differentiating it from other theories that may focus on singular aspects such as only the individual's characteristics (B), the external environment (C), or genetic factors and personal experiences (D).