Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP) Practice Test

As described by Bandura, inhibition and disinhibition are two of the possible effects of:

1. Vicarious learning

2. Instrumental learning

3. Insight learning

4. Overlearning

The correct answer is: Vicarious learning

The correct choice is rooted in Albert Bandura's social learning theory, which emphasizes the role of observation in learning. Inhibition and disinhibition occur when individuals observe others exhibiting certain behaviors and the consequences that follow. For example, if a person sees someone being punished for a specific action, they might inhibit that behavior themselves. Conversely, if they see someone rewarded for a behavior, it could lead to disinhibition, where they are more likely to engage in that behavior. This mechanism is central to vicarious learning since it highlights how much learning can occur through observing the actions of others rather than through direct experience or reinforcement. Thus, these concepts of inhibition and disinhibition are inherently linked to vicarious learning, making this the appropriate answer. Other learning types, such as instrumental learning (where behaviors are learned through reinforcement), insight learning (which involves problem-solving cognitive processes), and overlearning (which refers to continued practice beyond mastery) do not specifically outline the observational influences on behavior modification that are encapsulated in Bandura's ideas.