Final answer:
Contemporary social-learning and cognitive theories emphasize cognitive processes in addition to behavioral factors in learning, moving away from the strict reinforcement and punishment focus of early behaviorism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Contemporary social-learning and cognitive theories differ from the early learning theory approaches in that they emphasize cognitive processes as well as behavioral ones. Unlike strict behaviorists who focused solely on observable behavior, researchers like Albert Bandura introduced the notion that cognitive factors play a significant role in learning. Social-learning theory acknowledged that internal mental states are crucial, particularly in observational learning, which involves complex internal processes beyond mere imitation. Bandura's concept of reciprocal determinism illustrates that behavior is not solely shaped by the environment, but also by cognitive processes and behavior itself, with each influencing the others. This reflects a move away from the perspective that learning occurs only through reinforcement and punishment as suggested by earlier behaviorists like B.F. Skinner. In summary, modern learning theories recognize the importance of thought processes alongside the environment, broadening our understanding of learning and personal development, and how these foster individual differences in personality.