Which theory is characterized by learning through observation and modeling, as demonstrated by the Bobo doll experiment?

• A. Operant Conditioning
• B. Classical Conditioning
• C. Social Learning Theory
• D. Epigenetic Psychobiological Systems

Answer: (C)

Learning through observation and modeling means people can pick up new behaviors by watching others and then imitating what they see, with cognitive processes guiding what gets learned and later reproduced. In the Bobo doll study, children who observed adults behaving aggressively toward a doll tended to imitate those aggressive actions themselves, especially when the modeled behavior appeared to be rewarded or not punished. This shows that learning can occur by watching others and is influenced by the observed consequences, not just by direct reinforcement of one’s own actions. That combination of observation plus modeled outcomes is the core idea of Social Learning Theory, which integrates attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation in the learning process.

Other theories don’t fit as well: operant conditioning focuses on learning from the consequences of one’s own actions, not through watching others; classical conditioning involves forming associations between stimuli, not modeling behavior; epigenetic psychobiological systems relate to gene-environment interactions rather than social imitation.