Social Learning Theory posits that people learn from one another, via observation, imitation, and modeling.

The theory has often been called a bridge between behaviorist and cognitive learning theories because it encompasses attention, memory, and motivation.

There are three core concepts at the heart of social learning theory. First is the idea that people can learn through observation. Second is the idea that internal mental states are an essential part of this process. Thirdly, this theory recognizes that just because something has been learned, it does not mean that it will result in a change in behavior.

1. People can learn through observation. Observational Learning In his famous "Bobo doll" studies, Bandura demonstrated that children learn and imitate behaviors they have observed in other people. The children in Banduras studies observed an adult acting violently toward a Bobo doll. When the children were later allowed to play in a room with the Bobo doll, they began to imitate the aggressive actions they had previously observed.

2. Mental states are important to learning. Intrinsic Reinforcement Bandura noted that external, environmental reinforcement was not the only factor to influence learning and behavior. He described intrinsic reinforcement as a form of internal reward, such as pride, satisfaction, and a sense of accomplishment.

3. Learning does not necessarily lead to a change in behavior. While behaviorists believed that learning led to a permanent change in behavior, observational learning demonstrates that people can learn new information without demonstrating new behaviors.

Attention: In order for an individual to learn something, they must pay attention to the features of the modeled behaviour. Retention: Humans need to be able to remember details of the behaviour in order to learn and later reproduce the behaviour. Reproduction: In reproducing a behavior, an individual must organize his or her responses in accordance with the model behavior. This ability can improve with practice. Motivation: There must be an incentive or motivation driving the individuals reproduction of the behaviour. Even if all of the above factors are present, the person will not engage in the behaviour without motivation

Consistency: If the model behaves in a way that is consistent across situations-for example, always being brave then the observer will be more likely to imitate than if the model behaves in different ways depending on the situation. Identification with the model: There is a tendency to imitate models who are like ourselves for example, in terms of age and gender.

Rewards/punishment: Bandura argues that people can learn from observing what happens to others; they dont have to experience the consequences themselves. This is called vicarious reinforcement in Banduras theory and happens when we watch people around us whether in reality or in movies. this called observational learning. Liking the model: warm and friendly models are more likely to be imitated than cold, uncaring models. A study by Yarrow et al (1970) showed that children learn altruistic behaviour better from people with whom they have already developed a friendly relationship than from people they do not know.