What is the main idea behind Bandura's Social Learning Theory?

Bandura's Social Learning Theory emphasizes that much of human learning occurs within a social context, and it highlights the significance of observing and imitating the behaviors of others. This theory posits that individuals can acquire new behaviors simply by watching someone else perform them, rather than through direct personal experience or reinforcement.

For example, a child might learn how to tie their shoes not by practicing on their own but by observing a parent or sibling do it. This observational learning is enhanced by factors such as attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation. Bandura's work showcases how role models, such as parents, peers, and media figures, influence behavior, indicating that social interactions and environment play a crucial role in the learning process. This concept of modeling, where individuals mimic behaviors that they see, forms the cornerstone of Bandura’s approach and distinguishes it from theories that focus solely on direct experiences without social context.