Which developmental theory emphasizes the importance of social interaction in learning?

Social learning theory emphasizes the significance of social interaction in the learning process. This theory, developed by Albert Bandura, posits that individuals learn not just through direct experience or reinforcement, but also by observing and imitating others within a social context. This highlights the role of modeling and the influence of social relationships in the acquisition of behaviors and skills. The theory underscores the idea that learning occurs in a social setting, where individuals are affected by the actions, attitudes, and emotional responses of others.

In contrast to this, behaviorist theory focuses primarily on observable behaviors and external stimuli, while cognitive development theory is centered around the internal processes of thought and understanding, often as elaborated by Piaget. Constructivist theory, while recognizing the importance of social contexts in learning, emphasizes the individual's construction of knowledge based on their experiences. Thus, social learning theory distinctly points to social interaction as fundamental to the learning process.