L8 Observational Learning

Flashcards on observational learning, covering key concepts, experiments, and applications.

Observational Learning

Occurs when an organism's responding is influenced by the observation of others’ behaviour (models).

English Titmouse, Parrots, Monkeys, and Children

Examples of species where anecdotal evidence suggests social learning and mimicry take place.

Evolutionary rationale for observational learning

Quicker than trial and error learning. Generally advantageous, or at least harmless to copy others.

Palameta & Lefebvre (1985) Experiment

Demonstrated observational learning in birds by training a demonstrator bird to pierce a red-half of paper for food.

Results of Palameta and Lefebvre

Group LE observed demonstrator obtain seed, but paper was pierced in advance showed no results of learning. Group OL observed demonstrator pierce paper and eat seed showed learning.

Cook and Mineka (1987)

Experimented on training fear of snakes and artificial flowers in monkeys by observation. Monkeys didn’t learn fear of artificial flowers showing fear had to be biologically reasonable.

Bandura et al. (1963, 1965)

Researched aggression and 'Bobo' dolls, highlighting implications for modeling aggression.

Bandura et al. (1967)

Studied children's fear of dogs, demonstrating that a boy playing fearlessly with a dog helped reduce fear.

Albert Bandura 4 key processes for OL

Attention (focus), Retention (remembering), production (ability to mimic), Motivation (usefullness to mimicing)

Model's Similarity to Observer

More likely to imitate someone who shares attributes, talents, or deficiencies with themselves.

Model's Competence

People who accomplish things of functional value are most likely to be good models (but not too competent).

Model's Prestige

'High-ranked', 'group leaders' are more likely to be modelled.

Observer's Previous Experience with Model

Past failures/success at imitating model.

Muliple models

Several models normally exert more influence than one (peer pressure)

Poche et al. (1988) Teaching Self-Protection to Children

Experiment showing modeling (with rehearsal) is more efficient in teaching kids to deal with abduction.