Who is most closely associated with the concept of observational learning?

The concept of observational learning is most closely associated with Albert Bandura. He developed this theory through his groundbreaking work in the 1960s, particularly illustrated in his famous Bobo doll experiment. In these studies, Bandura demonstrated that individuals can learn new behaviors simply by observing others, rather than through direct reinforcement or experience. This process involves four key components: attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation.

Bandura emphasized that learning occurs in a social context and that individuals can acquire not only attitudes and emotional reactions but also complex behaviors without direct experience. This contrasts sharply with the principles of other theorists. For example, Jean Piaget focused on cognitive development stages, Sigmund Freud on psychosexual development and unconscious motives, and B.F. Skinner on operant conditioning, which relies on reinforcement and punishment to shape behavior. Bandura’s emphasis on learning through observation offers a broader understanding of how social influences can impact behavior, making him a central figure in developmental and educational psychology.