Observational
Learning
“We are, in truth, more than half what we are by imitation.” –
LordChesterfield
“Learning would be exceedingly laborious, not to mention
hazardous, if people had to rely solely on the effects of their own
actions to inform them what to do.” – Albert Bandura
Higher level animals do not need to learn through direct experience,
they can learn indirectly from observing and imitating others.
Observation Learning
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Observation
Modeling
Memes
Imitation
Albert Bandura and the Bobo doll study
Observational Learning
• Learning by observing and watching others (the model)
• The Model - the person whose behavior the subject watches
and imitates
• Modeling - The process of observing and imitating a
specific behavior
• Memes - ideas, fashions and habits (cultural elements)
passed on by imitation. Example: Catch-phrases,
ceremonies, foods, traditions, vices, and fads all spread by
copying one another.
Albert Bandura (1925• American psychologist
who has done major
studies in observational
learning
• Studies the consequences a
model has on subjects
• Bobo Doll experiments
)
Bobo Doll Experiments
• Children watched an adult model show
aggressive behavior toward a Bobo doll
• Three experimental conditions:
– The model was praised.
– The model was punished.
– The model received no consequences
for the aggressive behavior.
Vicarious Learning
• Learning by seeing the consequence
of another’s behavior
• Bandura said that reinforcement is not
essential for learning to occur but the
expectation of reinforcement affects
the performance of what has been
learned.
Bobo Doll Experiment
Bandura’s Bobo Dolls
BOBO doll experient
Modeling Requirements
• Bandura said 4 cognitive processes are
used in observational learning
• Must pay attention to the other person’s
behavior.
• Must remember the other person’s
behavior.
• Must transform the memory into actions
that you are capable of reproducing.
• Must have some motivation for you to
imitate behavior.
Biological Findings
•Mirror neurons in the frontal lobe by the motor
cortex fire when an animal observes another
performing a task and when the animal actually
performs the task.
Observational
Learning in Everyday
Life
Antisocial/Prosocial Behavior
• Antisocial behavior - negative, destructive,
abusive, unhelpful behavior
• Prosocial behavior – positive, constructive,
helpful behavior
• Both types of behavior can be modeled
effectively.
• How might TV programs effect the way
we behave?
Famous last words???
Do what I say, not what I do—
This will teach you to hit your
brother—
Why do you do that, you know you
get in trouble for it—