copybook theory

Copybook theory suggests that people's behaviors, beliefs, and language patterns are shaped through repeated exposure to specific models or "scripts," much like how a copybook provides written examples to imitate. In social contexts, individuals learn acceptable norms, communication styles, and responses by observing and internalizing these templates over time. This theory emphasizes the importance of consistent, patterned influences—such as family, culture, or media—in guiding how people think and act, ultimately resulting in predictable behavioral "templates" that influence their interactions and perceptions in various settings.