What key concept is central to Bandura's social learning theory?

What key concept is central to Bandura's social learning theory?

• A. Aggression is inherent in all children
• B. Aggression is learned through observation and reinforcement
• C. Aggressive behavior is biological in nature
• D. Children naturally exhibit aggressive behavior

Answer: (B)

Bandura's social learning theory emphasizes the process of learning through observation and imitation, particularly how individuals acquire behaviors by watching others. The concept that aggression, in this context, is learned through observation and reinforcement captures the essence of this theory. Bandura conducted experiments demonstrating that children who observed aggressive behavior were likely to imitate it, suggesting that aggression is not an innate trait but rather a learned response influenced by social environments. This perspective shifts the understanding of behavior from a purely biological viewpoint to one that incorporates environmental factors and social contexts, providing a more comprehensive explanation of how behaviors, including aggression, are acquired.

Bandura's social learning theory emphasizes the process of learning through observation and imitation, particularly how individuals acquire behaviors by watching others. The concept that aggression, in this context, is learned through observation and reinforcement captures the essence of this theory. Bandura conducted experiments demonstrating that children who observed aggressive behavior were likely to imitate it, suggesting that aggression is not an innate trait but rather a learned response influenced by social environments. This perspective shifts the understanding of behavior from a purely biological viewpoint to one that incorporates environmental factors and social contexts, providing a more comprehensive explanation of how behaviors, including aggression, are acquired.