Cognitive & Observational Learning

learning

change in behavior or knowledge that is the result of experience, ex-You learn to ride a bike.

latent learning

learning that occurs, but it may not be evident until there is a reason to demonstrate it, ex-You explore a maze but don’t show you know it until food is placed.

cognitive map

mental picture of the layout of the environment, ex-Knowing your way around your school without a map.

observational learning

type of learning that occurs by watching others, ex-A child learns to tie shoes by watching a parent.

model

person who performs a behavior that serves as an example (in observational learning), ex-Parent demonstrating shoe-tying.

vicarious punishment

process where the observer sees the model punished, making the observer less likely to imitate the model’s behavior, ex-Seeing a friend scolded for talking in class discourages you from doing the same.

vicarious reinforcement

process where the observer sees the model rewarded, making the observer more likely to imitate the model’s behavior, ex-Seeing a friend get praised for doing homework encourages you to do yours.