Which term is used to describe learning that occurs through observing others?

The term that describes learning occurring through observing others is Social Learning Theory. This theory emphasizes the importance of social context in learning and postulates that individuals can acquire new behaviors simply by watching others, rather than through direct experience or reinforcement. This is particularly significant in understanding how behaviors, attitudes, and emotional responses can be modeled and learned in a social environment.

Social Learning Theory is often associated with Albert Bandura, who conducted experiments demonstrating that individuals not only learn through direct reinforcement or punishment but also by observing the consequences of others' actions. For instance, when a child sees a peer receive praise for a specific behavior, they may be more likely to replicate that behavior themselves, showcasing the idea that social interactions play a crucial role in the learning process.

The other terms describe different learning mechanisms: Operant Conditioning involves learning through rewards and punishments, Classical Conditioning focuses on learning through associations between stimuli, and Cognitive Learning involves understanding and internalizing information through thought processes. These concepts do not emphasize the observational aspect that is central to Social Learning Theory.