What is the Social Learning Theory?

The Social Learning Theory, developed by psychologist Albert Bandura, suggests that people learn through observation, imitation, and social interactions. It posits that individuals acquire new behaviors, attitudes, and skills by observing others and the consequences of their actions. Social learning occurs through modeling, where individuals imitate the behaviors of role models, and reinforcement, where behaviors are either rewarded or punished. The theory emphasizes the role of social context in shaping learning and behavior.