Which educational theory is characterized by principles that involve modeling and outcome value?

The correct answer is social learning theory. This theory, developed by Albert Bandura, emphasizes the importance of observational learning, imitation, and modeling. It posits that individuals can learn new behaviors and acquire new information by observing others, rather than through direct experience alone.

Modeling is a key component of social learning theory, where a person learns by watching the actions of a model and the consequences of those actions. The outcome value refers to the perceived benefits or consequences of engaging in a specific behavior after observing someone else perform it. This aspect suggests that if individuals see positive outcomes from a behavior exhibited by a model, they are more likely to imitate that behavior themselves.

In contrast, cognitive development focuses on how students process, think, and understand their world, which does not center specifically on modeling and outcome value. Constructivism emphasizes the role of active participation and personal experience in learning, while behaviorism primarily deals with observable behaviors and responses to stimuli, without the emphasis on modeling and social context that characterizes social learning theory.