Final answer:
Modeling behavior, or observational learning, is the theory that suggests learning can happen through imitation. Albert Bandura's work emphasized the cognitive processes involved, including self-efficacy, and the social impacts on learning and personality development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theory that suggests that learning can be facilitated through imitation is modeling behavior, which is also known as observational learning. This concept was central to the work of psychologist Albert Bandura, who proposed that learning can occur by watching others and then modeling their behavior. This process is not a simple copycat action; it involves attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation. Bandura also introduced the concept of self-efficacy as a factor that influences whether and how individuals engage in observational learning. Self-efficacy is our level of confidence in our abilities, shaped by our social experiences, and affects how we approach tasks and challenges.
According to Bandura, observational learning is more complex than mere imitation, as it involves cognitive processes, and it can extend the range of both classical and operant conditioning. The individuals who are imitated in this process are referred to as models, and the learning that takes place may go beyond the individual behaviors to include patterns of actions leading to personality development. This type of learning plays an important role in understanding what behaviors are considered acceptable within a culture, and which are not, based on observation of models being either rewarded or punished.