Answer to Question 1
Vygotsky believed that cognitive development was more strongly influenced by adults or others who were more cognitively advanced than by peers. Because of their superior understanding of the world, adults can mediate, or explain, the meaning of various objects and events and the reasons for various rules, thereby providing a more effective base for the child to operate from.
Answer to Question 2
Within the context of social cognitive theory, self-regulation refers to people who consistently use self-control skills in new situations. Children who perform chores at home without being asked to do so and in the absence of praise because they understand that doing so makes the home a more pleasant place in which to live, and who spontaneously do things like pick up trash in public places, are exhibiting self-regulation.