Observational Learning

Social cognitive approaches to learning

theories that propose learning takes place in a social setting and involves various cognitive processes

observational learning

a process of learning that involves watching the behaviour of a model and the associated consequences of that behaviour

model

the individual who is performing the behaviour that is being observed

learner

the individual observing and acquiring the behaviour

five stages of observational learning

1. Attention

2. Retention

3. Reproduction

4. Motivation

5. Reinforcement

attention

the first stage of observational learning in which learners actively focus on the models behaviour and the consequences of the behaviour

retention

the second stage of observational learning in which learners create a mental representation to remember the models demonstrated behaviour

reproduction

the third stage of observational learning in which the learner must have the physical and mental capabilities to replicate the behaviour

motivation

the fourth stage of observational learning in which the learner must want to replicate the behaviour

reinforcement

the fifth stage of observational learning in which the learner receives a pleasant consequence for the behaviour which makes them more likely to reproduce the behaviour again in the future

vicarious reinforcement

occurs when a models behaviour is reinforced (increases likelihood of learner behaving in a similar way)

vicarious punishment

occurs when a models behaviour is punished (decreases likelihood of learner behaving in a similar way)