Which theory emphasizes that development is influenced by social interactions and cultural context?

The chosen answer highlights Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory, which asserts that social interactions and cultural contexts are paramount in shaping an individual’s cognitive development. Vygotsky posited that learning is fundamentally a social process, with collaboration and communication among peers and adults facilitating cognitive growth. According to this theory, cognitive functions are developed through cultural tools and frameworks, which includes language, values, and social norms.

Central to Vygotsky's view is the concept of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), which illustrates how learners can achieve higher levels of understanding with guidance from more knowledgeable others. This emphasizes the crucial role of community and culture in cognitive advancement, underscoring the idea that development cannot be separated from its social context.

In contrast, the other theories mentioned focus more on individual aspects of development rather than the social and cultural influences that Vygotsky emphasizes. For example, Piaget’s theory outlines stages of cognitive development that are more focused on the individual’s internal cognitive processes, while Kohlberg’s theory revolves around moral reasoning and ethical development in relation to individual growth and stages of moral understanding. Erikson's theory, while incorporating social influences, primarily centers on psychosocial stages linked to identity and emotional development rather