Observational learning

Observational Learning

Learning by watching others and imitating their behaviour, rather than through direct experience

Social Learning Theory

A theory proposed by Albert Bandura emphasizing that people learn from observing, imitating, and modelling the behaviour of others, influenced by rewards and punishments

Live Models

Real-life individuals whose behaviour is directly observed and imitated by others

Verbal Models

Descriptions or explanations of behaviours provided through language, guiding observers on how to act

Symbolic Models

Characters or figures in media, such as books, movies, or TV shows, whose behaviours are observed and imitated

Prosocial

Positive, helpful behaviours intended to benefit others, often learned through observation

Antisocial

Negative or harmful behaviours that go against social norms and can be imitated through observation

Attention

The cognitive process of focusing on a model's behaviour, a necessary step for learning through observation

Retention

The ability to remember and mentally store the observed behaviour for later reproduction

Reproduction

The physical and mental ability to replicate the observed behaviour in action

Motivation

The drive or reason to imitate a behaviour, often influenced by expected rewards or punishments

Vicarious Reinforcement

Learning that occurs when an observer sees a model being rewarded for a behaviour, increasing the likelihood of imitation.

Vicarious Punishment

Learning that occurs when an observer sees a model being punished for a behaviour, decreasing the likelihood of imitation.

Prestige/Status

The perceived importance or authority of a model, making their behaviour more likely to be imitated

Self-Efficacy

An individual’s belief in their ability to successfully replicate an observed behaviour

Self-Regulation

The ability to control one’s own behaviour, emotions, and thoughts, often guided by internalized standards learned through observation.

Reciprocal Determinism

A concept from social learning theory that behaviour, personal factors (like cognition), and environment all influence and interact with one another