Which approach focuses on the influence of social interaction on learning?

The focus on the influence of social interaction on learning is central to social learning theory. This approach, pioneered by Albert Bandura, emphasizes that individuals learn not only through direct experience but also by observing and imitating the behaviors of others. Bandura's work demonstrated that people can learn new information and behaviors by watching others—what he termed "observational learning." The social context is crucial, as it provides models through which individuals can understand and internalize behaviors, values, and social norms.

In social learning theory, the interplay between social interaction and learning occurs through mechanisms such as imitation, modeling, and reinforcement. For example, when a child observes a peer successfully solving a problem, they may be motivated to attempt the same solution themselves. This process highlights the importance of social environments in shaping learning outcomes, making social learning theory particularly relevant in educational settings and developmental psychology.