Final answer:
The basis of social learning theory is that learning occurs through observing and modeling the behaviors of others. Albert Bandura's theory integrates observational learning with cognitive processes, impacting personality development and societal behavior norms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The belief that is the basis of the social learning theory is d. learning occurs through observing other people and modelling their behaviour. Albert Bandura's contribution to learning theory emphasized that much learning is vicarious, happening through what he termed observational learning. This process involves several key steps, such as attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation, which need to be followed for learning through modeling to be successful. Bandura's theory also recognizes the cognitive processes that occur during learning, suggesting that this type of learning contributes significantly to personality development and involves more than simple imitation.
Instead of learning only through reinforcement and punishment, as suggested by operant conditioning, observational learning allows individuals to learn behaviors by observing the actions of others and the consequences of those actions. This approach contributes to shaping one's behavior patterns and attitudes based on what is perceived as acceptable or rewarded within a given culture, including inhibiting behaviors that are seen as deviant or punished.