Observational Learning

observational learning

occurs through watching the actions of others and the consequences of those actions- observed behaviour guides future behaviour

model

the individual or character that is being observed

Key Phases of Observational Learning

• Attention

• Retention

• Reproduction

• Motivation

• Reinforcement

Attention

observer must actively watch the model’s behaviour

influencing factors of attention

• observer’s perceptual abilities, motivation, interest level

• situations and distractions

• characterisitics of the model (attractiveness, status, familiarity)

• behaviour’s importance, distinctiveness, potential impact

when someone is more likely to pay attention

• model is liked, high-status, or similar to the observer

• behaviour is distinctive, necessary or rewarding

Retention

observer must remember the behaviour

storage in retention

requires forming a mental representation

memory aids in retention

combine visual and verbal descriptions for accuracy

e.g. visually and mentally describing a cricket player’s technique

Reproduction

oberserver must have the ability/ capability to replicate the behaviour

physcial capacity

motor skills, coordination, reflexes, etc.

example of physcial capacity

a beginner cricketer may not flawlessly copy Pat Cummin’s skill due to essential differences/ underdeveloped skills

Motivation

oberserver must want to perform the behaviour

influencing factors of motivation

usefulness of behaviour, percieved rewards/ outcomes

no motivation..

learning may occur, but performance won’t

Reinforcement

increases likelihood of reproducing observed behaviour

types of reinforcement in OL

• External

• Vicarious

• Self

• Negative

External Reinforcement

direct consequences (i.e. praise/ reward)

Vicarious Reinforcement

seeing someone else’s reward increases likelihood of imitation

Self-Reinforcement

Self-generated rewards (i.e. pride/ satisfaction)

Negative Reinforcement

Avoiding undesired outcomes (i.e. boring jobs) motivates behaviour

Self- Influencing Factors of OL

• low levels of self-confidence and self-esteem means a person is more likely to imitate others

• high levels of self-efficacy= confidence to attempt behaviours, view challenges positively

self-efficacy

belief in your own ability to succeed