Which of the following best describes a characteristic of Social-Cognitive Learning Theory?

Social-Cognitive Learning Theory emphasizes the importance of observational learning, imitation, and modeling in the acquisition of new behaviors. This theory suggests that individuals can learn not only through direct experience but also by observing others. When people see someone successfully engaging in a behavior and receiving positive outcomes, they are likely to imitate that behavior themselves, believing they can achieve similar results.

This approach highlights the interplay between cognitive processes and behavior, illustrating that individuals actively process and reflect on what they observe before deciding to imitate it. Therefore, the assertion that people learn behaviors primarily through imitation accurately captures a key element of Social-Cognitive Learning Theory.

Other options fail to align with the characteristics of this theory. For instance, the idea that observation has no effect on behavior contradicts the fundamental premise that observational learning can significantly influence actions. Similarly, stating that cognitive processes are not involved disregards the importance of mental processes in interpreting observed behavior before imitation occurs. The notion that learning is solely based on rewards and punishments oversimplifies the learning process, overlooking the significant role observational learning plays.