Which theory posits that we learn social behavior through observation and imitation?

Social learning theory is centered on the idea that individuals acquire new behaviors and social skills through the process of observing others and imitating their actions. This theory emphasizes the role of modeling, where people learn not just by direct experience but also by watching the behaviors of others, particularly role models such as parents, peers, or media figures. The idea was notably developed by Albert Bandura, who conducted experiments illustrating how children mimicked aggressive behaviors displayed by adults in his "Bobo doll" experiment.

In addition to mere imitation, social learning theory also incorporates the concepts of attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation, highlighting that merely observing a behavior is not enough; one must also remember it and have the desire to enact it. This theory contrasts with approaches such as behavioral conditioning, which focuses on reinforcement and punishment, and suggests learning is primarily influenced by direct experiences rather than social contexts.