What is the main focus of Bandura's social learning theory?

The main focus of Bandura's social learning theory is observational learning, which emphasizes the role of modeling, imitation, and observation in the development of behavior. According to Bandura, individuals can learn new behaviors and acquire new information simply by watching others, rather than through direct experience or reinforcement. This concept highlights the importance of social context and the influence of role models on learning.

Bandura's research demonstrated that people, particularly children, can learn not just through their own experiences but by observing the behaviors of others and the consequences that follow. This allows individuals to acquire complex behaviors without the need for direct rewards or punishments. The findings from Bandura's experiments, including the iconic Bobo doll study, reinforce the idea that behaviors can be learned socially, which is a cornerstone of social learning theory.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of human behavior that do not capture the essence of Bandura’s work. Innate behavior relates to behaviors that are biologically programmed, conditioning responses involve learning through reinforcement or punishment, and emotional development centers on the evolution of emotional skills and understanding. While these topics are important in psychology, they do not encapsulate the primary focus of observational learning central to Bandura's theory.