Social Learning Theory
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-28
CORE DEFINITION
Social learning theory is a psychological theory of social behavior that explains how people acquire new behaviors, attitudes, and emotional reactions through observing and imitating others. It states that learning is a cognitive process that occurs within a social context and can occur purely through observation or direct instruction, even without physical practice or direct reinforcement. In addition, it emphasizes the role of cognitive factors such as attention, memory, and motivation in the learning process.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
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Social learning theory is a psychological theory of social behavior that explains how people acquire new behaviors, attitudes, and emotional reactions through observing and imitating others. It states that learning is a cognitive process that occurs within a social context and can occur purely through observation or direct instruction, even without physical practice or direct reinforcement.
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Bandura: People acquire behaviors through 'observational learning'—a four-step process involving attention to the model, retention (memory), reproduction (imitation), and motivation. Vicarious reinforcement (observing the consequences of others' actions) substitutes for direct trial-and-error. Self-efficacy regulates whether the behavior is actually performed.
MINIMUM ACTION
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_learning_theoryverified
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