Imitation and Vicarious Learning Theories Lecture

Early failures

Thorndike, Watson, Skinner

many still argue that animals can’t imitate

Behavioral View

Reinforcement increases likelihood of imitation. No new theories needed! , can also teach imitation

Bandura's View

vicarious reinforcement (consequences of model affect observer),

awareness & cognition necessary,

cognitive theory

Variables Affecting Imitation

consequences of model’s behavior

characteristics of model : likeable, prestigious, competent, attractive, etc. reason? ATTENTION

characteristics of observer: emotional state, learning history, etc.

Russon & Galdikas

Conducted field studies on animal imitation: e.g., hanging hammocks, building bridges, starting fire

well-known model works best (better if you do it and not someone else)

subordinates imitate dominates

Operant Imitation vs. Vicarious Pavlovian Conditioning

Operant: good evidence

Pavlovian: other explanations are better