The social learning theory states that people learn by observing other people and then mimicking suggests that learning occurs because people observe the consequences of other people's behaviors them, specifically the people around them who are important. This learning through observation happens in communal spaces such as school, work, and perhaps your family, and can be either positive and negative. Impersonation is also dependent on your mental state.

This theory is based upon operant and classical conditioning. However, it differs by focusing on internal processes, as well as the environment. This is distinct from classical and operant conditioning, which are concerned more with responses to stimulus.

Albert Bandura developed social learning theory in the 1960s, after conducting a series of tests, including the Bobo doll experiment. The experiment revealed that children mimicked the playstyle of adults even when they weren’t specifically told to follow the same pattern. He thought that many models of behavior reinforcement didn’t include the social context. that’s why people behave differently based on the circumstances.

The principles of social learning theory in the classroom, by promoting positive behaviors and demonizing bad ones. One option is to use rewards to motivate students to take part in discussions with their classmates, complete assignments, and adhere to the rules of the classroom. One way to encourage students is to model proper behavior and increasing their self-efficacy. This can be used to encourage students’ empathy and respect for their peers.

The behaviour of other people can instruct people on how to deal with or reduce stress. This is referred to as vicarious learning, and is an excellent option for those suffering from anxiety or depression. It is important to be cautious of vicarious learning since it could be a catalyst for imitation of harmful behavior, like aggression and violence.

Employees often mimic the behavior of their coworkers at work. It can be a way to be noticed or get recognition, and can be a way to see how their actions are perceived by their superiors. This can be problematic in the event that the Company is a place where people are not encouraged to engage in these behaviours.

This theory explains why individuals may be more likely to be involved in risky behaviours. It is a reason why people might take drugs or smoke after watching their friends do it, or view violent videos and mimic the aggression that they see on television. But research from 2021 has shown that a variety of variables influence the likelihood of a person to take risks with their behaviours and social learning is only a small part of the picture.

The theory could help to determine why people act differently in different settings, but it can be difficult to implement. People can have inner conflicts whenever they adopt new behavior which contradict their beliefs or values. Teachers can help address this by helping students identify their values and beliefs, as well as helping them find different ways of living in conformity with these values.