Social learning theory

Social Learning Theory

Social learning theory was developed by Albert Bandura. It explains that people learn behaviors by observing others. Learning does not always happen through direct experience; it can occur through watching, listening, or reading about someone else’s actions and their consequences.

Key Elements:

• Observation: Watching others’ behavior.
• Imitation: Copying the observed behavior.
• Reinforcement: Rewards or punishments that follow behavior influence future actions.

Example: A child learns to say “thank you” by watching parents use it regularly and being praised for doing the same.