Resources for unit 3

Social Learning Theory (SLT), now called Social Cognitive Theory, was developed by the Canadian American psychologist Albert Bandura in the 1960s. The theory emphasizes the role of observation, imitation and modeling in the learning process. It explains how people learn new behaviors, skills, and attitudes by observing and imitating others.

People can learn new behaviors and acquire knowledge not only through direct experience but also by observing others in their environment. According to the SLT, much of human learning occurs in a social context, and individuals learn by observing the behaviors of others, retaining the observed information, and later replicating the behavior. This theory integrates cognitive, behavioral, and environmental influences, suggesting that learning is a reciprocal interaction between these three factors. According to Bandura (1986), much of human learning is more efficiently learned directly from a model. For instance, if students see their friend rewarded for a good work done, they may work hard so that they are also rewarded.