Albert Bandura (social cognitive theory)

Albert Bandura's social cognitive theory explains how people learn by observing others and modeling their behavior. Instead of only learning through direct experience, individuals watch what others do, notice the consequences, and then imitate actions that seem rewarding or appropriate. This process involves attention, memory, and motivation. For example, children might learn manners by observing parents or peers. Bandura emphasized that learning is a dynamic interplay between personal factors, behaviors, and the environment, highlighting the importance of social context in shaping our actions.