Final answer:
Albert Bandura's social cognitive theory and Julian Rotter's locus of control introduced cognitive elements to the study of learning and behavior, departing from the strict behaviorist's focus on observable behavior and its reinforcement.
Step-by-step explanation:
Albert Bandura's significant contributions to learning theory focused on the concept of observational learning. He proposed that much learning occurs vicariously through observing the behavior and consequences of others. This process shapes our understanding of acceptable behavior within a cultural context. Bandura introduced the idea of reciprocal determinism, which suggests that cognitive processes, behavior, and situational context all interact and influence each other. He also emphasized the importance of self-efficacy in personal development.
While B.F. Skinner believed that environment alone determines behavior, Bandura emphasized the role of cognition, introducing a more complex and interactive understanding of behavior.
Julian Rotter's principles, while not specified in the initial question, revolve around his concept of locus of control, which describes an individual's belief system regarding the power they have over their lives. People exhibiting an internal locus of control believe they can influence outcomes through their actions, whereas those with an external locus of control attribute outcomes to external forces.
Both Bandura and Rotter's ideas introduced cognitive elements that challenged the traditional behaviorist view, which often ignored mental states and focused purely on observable behaviors and their reinforcements or punishments. Bandura and Rotter introduced notions that human behavior is also influenced by internal cognitions, personal factors, and reciprocal interactions with the environment.