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.