Observational Learning

Observational Learning

Learning by observing events and their consequences.

Two Types of Observational Learning

Social Observational Learning, Asocial Observational Learning.

Social Observational Learning

When an observer views a model's behavior and its consequences.

Vicarious Reinforcement

Occurs if a model is reinforced for a behavior, leading the observer to imitate that behavior.

Vicarious Punishment

Occurs if a model is punished for a behavior, which discourages the observer from imitating that behavior.

Asocial Observational Learning

Observer views an event and its positive/negative consequences.

Ghost Condition (Asocial Learning)

Observing an event happening without a model.

Imitation

Behaving in a way that resembles the model.

Over imitation (Asocial Learning)

Tendency to imitate irrelevant behavior.

Consequences of a model's behavior (Variables)

If a model is reinforced, the observer is likely to imitate the behavior; if punished, they are not.

Characteristics of the model (Variables)

Models who are competent, likeable, and prestigious lead to more effective learning.

Observer's age

Older observers tend to recall more of the observed behavior compared to younger observers.

Consequences of Observer’s Behavior (Variables)

If the observer is reinforced, the behavior continues.

If the observer is punished, behavior will not reduced.

Task Difficulty (Variables)

Greater task difficulty can hinder learning during observation, necessitating closer attention.

Emotional State of the Observer (Variables)

Positive mood increases the likelihood of imitation, while negative mood can create a rigid mindset.

Skilled vs Unskilled Model

Observing a skilled model will result in better learning.

Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory

The theory positing that observational learning depends on processes during or after observation.

Attentional processes (Theory)

How much the observer pays attention to the model during observation.

Retentional processes (Theory)

Processes that help the observer recall the model's behavior later.

Motor reproductive processes (Theory)

The observer's ability to perform the behavior observed in the model.

Motivational processes (Theory)

Expectations of reinforcement that influence whether the observer will imitate the behavior.

Miller-Dollard Reinforcement Theory

Changes in an observer’s behavior result from the consequences of their behavior rather than the model’s behavior.