Which psychological theory emphasizes the influence of observation on behavior?

Social Learning Theory is a psychological framework that highlights the significance of observational learning—that is, the process of learning behaviors through the observation of others, particularly role models. This theory was notably developed by Albert Bandura, who conducted experiments demonstrating that people, especially children, can learn new behaviors simply by watching others without any direct reinforcement.

This perspective posits that individuals can imitate behaviors they observe, and the theory incorporates key concepts such as attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation in the learning process. For instance, when a child observes a parent displaying a specific behavior, such as aggression, and later replicates that behavior, it underscores the potential impact of environmental influences and modeling on individual behavior.

In contrast, the other theories mentioned do not primarily focus on the role of observation in learning behaviors. Cognitive Behavioral Theory emphasizes the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, focusing on modifying maladaptive thought patterns. Humanistic Theory centers on individual potential and self-actualization, highlighting personal growth instead of observational learning. Evolutionary Psychology looks at how evolutionary principles shape behaviors, rather than how observation influences learning. Thus, Social Learning Theory distinctly emphasizes the role of observation as a key mechanism in the acquisition of new behaviors.