Social learning theory (SLT, Bandura, 1986) gives a sound analysis of the macro processes that contribute to observational learning. By doing so, it provides insight into understanding why observers do or do not mimic actions that were previously observed in a model. What SLT does not explain, however, is how these processes are implemented at the cognitive level. This shortcoming is remedied by recent advances from cognitive psychology: The Binding and Retrieval in Action Control (BRAC) framework (Frings et al., 2020) gives a precise analysis of the cognitive micro processes at the heart of action control. However, what is missing from BRAC is a bridge that connects micro to macro processes. In this talk, I will present an integrated approach that attempts to make this connection by grounding social learning theory in cognitive principles of action regulation. To support this theoretical advance, I will present findings from seven empirical studies. These studies demonstrate close parallels between observationally acquired stimulus-response bindings and social learning from observation. Tentatively, the presented findings indicate that observational stimulus-response bindings might serve as the cognitive basis of social learning.