Which key concept is associated with Lev Vygotsky’s work?

Lev Vygotsky’s work is closely associated with social development theory, which emphasizes the fundamental role that social interaction plays in cognitive development. Unlike some other theories in psychology, which may focus on individual experiences in isolation, Vygotsky posited that learning is deeply embedded in cultural context and is fundamentally a social process.

He is best known for introducing concepts such as the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) and the importance of scaffolding, the support provided by more knowledgeable others that enables learners to advance to higher levels of understanding. This perspective highlights how cognitive skills develop through guided interaction with others, ultimately leading to internalized knowledge. Thus, the emphasis on social interactions that facilitate cognitive development directly ties Vygotsky’s ideas to the essence of social development theory.