Social learning theory, developed by Albert Bandura, emphasizes the importance of observing and modeling the behaviors, attitudes, and emotional reactions of others. Unlike classical conditioning, which involves learning through association and the pairing of stimuli, social learning focuses on learning through observation. For example, a child may learn to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ by watching their parents use these words, rather than through direct reinforcement or punishment.
On the other hand, operant conditioning, established by B.F. Skinner, involves learning through consequences. In this framework, behaviors are strengthened or weakened based on rewards or punishments that follow them. For instance, a rat that receives food for pressing a lever is more likely to press the lever again. While operant conditioning relies heavily on the individual’s direct experience with rewards or punishments, social learning does not require direct experience. Instead, it allows individuals to learn by witnessing the consequences of others’ behaviors.
In summary, the key difference lies in the mechanism of learning: social learning occurs through observation of others, while classical conditioning and operant conditioning rely on direct associations and consequences related to one’s own behavior. This highlights the role of social context and interaction in the learning process.