Albert Bandura is the main architect of the contemporary version of social cognitive theory. His work builds on the original theory developed by Bandura in the 1970s, incorporating elements from other theorists such as Julian Rotter and Albert Ellis.

Social-cognitive theory suggests that behavior is influenced by a person's environment, personal characteristics, and cognitive processes such as thoughts, perceptions, and beliefs. It emphasizes how individuals learn from observing the behaviors of others and how they believe in their ability to perform certain tasks. The theory also highlights the importance of self-regulation and self-efficacy in shaping behavior.

One criticism of Vygotsky's theory is that it lacks specificity in describing the mechanisms through which social interactions promote cognitive development. Critics argue that the theory is too broad and does not provide clear explanations of how exactly cultural tools and social interactions impact a child's cognitive abilities.

The heart of social cognitive theory is the idea that people learn through observing others and modeling their behaviors. This theory emphasizes the role of cognitive processes in learning, such as attention, memory, and motivation. It also highlights the importance of self-regulation and self-efficacy in guiding behavior.

Albert Bandura is a major proponent of the social cognitive theory of personality development. This theory emphasizes the role of observational learning, reinforcement, and cognitive processes in shaping individual behavior and personality. Bandura's theory highlights how individuals learn and develop through their interactions with the social environment.