Psychology MCAT 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The principle that is foundational to Bandura's social learning theory is that learning can occur through observation. This indicates that individuals can learn new behaviors and acquire skills not just through their own direct experiences but by watching the actions of others and the consequences that follow those actions. Bandura emphasized the role of modeling in the learning process, suggesting that people can learn behaviors by observing role models, whether they are family members, peers, or figures in media.

This concept is encapsulated in what Bandura termed "observation learning," where attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation are critical processes that mediate the learning that occurs through watching others. Therefore, the idea of learning through observation is central, demonstrating that individuals can internalize and replicate behaviors without directly engaging in the behavior themselves. This highlights the importance of social context in learning and demonstrates that engagement with environments and contexts beyond one's immediate experiences can significantly influence behavior.