According to social learning theory, how do individuals acquire new behaviors?

The acquisition of new behaviors through social learning theory is fundamentally based on the process of observation and imitation. This theory, pioneered by Albert Bandura, emphasizes that individuals learn not only by direct experience but also by watching the actions of others and the consequences that follow those actions. When an individual observes someone else performing a behavior and subsequently witnesses the outcomes—whether positive or negative—they are likely to model that behavior themselves.

For instance, if a child sees a peer being praised for helpfulness, they may imitate that behavior in hopes of receiving similar praise. This method of learning involves cognitive processes, such as attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation, indicating that observation alone is not sufficient; individuals must also pay attention, remember the behavior, and feel motivated to replicate it.

In contrast, the other options focus on methods of learning that do not align with this observational learning model. Memorizing facts or relying solely on personal experience misses the aspect of social interaction and modeling, while written instructions may lack the engaging elements of observation that can enhance understanding and motivation. Thus, the emphasis on observing and modeling behaviors exemplifies the core of social learning theory.