What central theme does observational learning focus on, according to Bandura?

Observational learning, as conceptualized by Albert Bandura, revolves around the idea that individuals can acquire new behaviors by watching others. This process involves several key components: attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation. When a person observes a model performing a behavior, they do not need to experience the consequences of that behavior directly; rather, they can learn by seeing the outcomes that the model faces. This highlights the power of social influences and the importance of modeling in learning environments.

The notion that individuals learn by observing and imitating others serves as a cornerstone of Bandura's social learning theory, demonstrating that learning can occur in social contexts without direct reinforcement or personal trial and error. Thus, the central theme of observational learning emphasizes the significance of observation in the learning process, illustrating how behaviors can be learned without the learner engaging in the actions themselves.