What is a core principle of social learning theory?

A core principle of social learning theory is that behavior is influenced by the observation of others and the consequences of those behaviors. This concept was famously articulated by Albert Bandura, who emphasized that individuals can learn new behaviors by watching others, particularly role models, without the necessity of direct reinforcement. Observational learning allows individuals to assimilate the behaviors exhibited by others and understand the potential outcomes of those behaviors, which can then shape their own actions.

For instance, if someone sees a peer rewarded for a particular behavior—such as sharing—a bystander may be more likely to imitate that sharing behavior, anticipating similar rewards. This highlights the interplay between social context and personal experience, illustrating that much of what we learn about behavior comes from our interactions within a social environment, rather than solely from our own direct experiences or reinforcements.