What is one key principle of the Social Learning Theory?

The principle that behavior is learned through observation and imitation of others is central to Social Learning Theory, developed by Albert Bandura. This theory posits that individuals acquire new behaviors not just by direct experiences but also through watching others, known as models. This process includes attention to the behavior, retention of the observed actions, reproduction of the behavior, and motivation to imitate it.

When individuals see a behavior that leads to a positive outcome, they are more likely to reproduce that behavior themselves. This principle underscores the importance of social context in learning, highlighting that social interactions and environmental factors play critical roles in shaping behavior.

The other options present views that do not align with the foundational concepts of Social Learning Theory, as they either emphasize instinctual behavior or negate the influence of the environment, which are not in line with Bandura's observations about how learning occurs in a social context.