According to social learning theory, how do individuals primarily learn behaviors?

Individuals primarily learn behaviors by observing others, as highlighted in social learning theory. This theory posits that much of what we learn occurs in a social context through the process of observation and imitation. This means that individuals can acquire new behaviors simply by watching others perform them, without needing to experience those behaviors directly themselves.

For example, if a child sees a peer successfully ride a bike and receive praise for it, they may decide to try riding a bike themselves, often mimicking the behaviors and techniques they observed. This observational learning can influence a wide range of behaviors, from simple tasks to complex social interactions.

While other options, such as memorizing facts, experiencing things directly, or formal education, contribute to learning, they do not encapsulate the essence of social learning theory, which emphasizes the role of social influence and observational learning in behavior acquisition.