His Social Learning Theory stresses the importance of (A) observational learning, imitation, and modeling. (B) studying, researching, and listening. C imitation, modeling, and participation. D A and B
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: (A) observational learning, imitation, and modeling.
Explanation (300 words):
Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory emphasizes that people can learn new behaviors and acquire new information simply by observing others. This process is not reliant solely on direct reinforcement or punishment, as traditional behaviorist theories suggest, but rather includes indirect learning through observation.
At the heart of Social Learning Theory are three core concepts:
- Observational Learning: This refers to learning by watching the behaviors of others and the consequences that follow. Individuals, especially children, often mimic behaviors exhibited by role models like parents, teachers, peers, or media figures.
- Imitation: After observing a behavior, a person may replicate or imitate it. This is especially likely if the observed model is rewarded or perceived positively. Imitation can be immediate or delayed, and it often reflects the observer’s evaluation of the model’s actions.
- Modeling: Modeling goes beyond imitation by suggesting that observed behaviors form mental representations, which the learner can later enact in similar contexts. Modeling includes not only physical actions but also attitudes and emotional responses.
Bandura highlighted that learning is a cognitive process that occurs in a social context, involving four key steps: attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation. A learner must first pay attention to the model, retain the observed behavior, have the ability to reproduce it, and finally be motivated to perform the behavior—often influenced by anticipated rewards or punishments.
Options (B) and (C) mention relevant activities like studying, listening, and participation, but they do not accurately represent the core components of Social Learning Theory as defined by Bandura.
Therefore, Option (A) is the most accurate, directly aligning with Bandura’s theory: observational learning, imitation, and modeling.