What does social learning theory emphasize?

Social learning theory emphasizes the concept that individuals can learn new behaviors and information by observing others. This theory, developed by Albert Bandura, suggests that learning occurs not just through direct reinforcement or punishment, but also through the imitation of behaviors demonstrated by others, whether through real-life interactions or media.

The key components of this theory include attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation, which highlight how observing a model’s actions and the subsequent consequences can influence an individual’s own behavior. For example, if a child sees a sibling being rewarded for sharing toys, that child may be likely to imitate that behavior because they want to receive similar accolades. This view recognizes that social contexts and interactions play a crucial role in the learning process, setting it apart from theories that only focus on direct reinforcement or personal experience.