As initially outlined by bandura and walters in 1963 and further detailed in 1977 key tenets of social learning theory are as follows learning is not purely behavioral rather it is a cognitive process that takes place in a social context learning can occur by observing a behavior and by . Social learning theory developed by psychologist albert bandura uses theories of classical and operant conditioning but in this theory the environment plays a large part in learning we model. There are three core concepts at the heart of social learning theory first is the idea that people can learn through observation next is the notion that internal mental states are an essential part of this process. Social learning theory views the course of human development in terms of childrens socialization experiences and acquisition of self regulation childrens development of personality characteristics such as dependency and aggression as well as their skill in academics sports arts or professions are assumed to emerge from learning experiences embedded within the social milieu of their family peers gender and culture