Observational Learning

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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.
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Observation Learning

• Observation
• Modeling
• Memes
• Imitation
• Albert Bandura and the Bobo doll study

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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
• See an example of my daughter copying her mom
  feeding the baby. Click HERE.
• 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.

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Albert Bandura (1925- )

• American psychologist who has done major studies
  in observational learning
• Studies the consequences a model has on subjects
• Bobo Doll experiments

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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.

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Vicarious Learning

• Learning by seeing the consequence of anothers
  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.

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Bobo Doll Experiment
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Banduras Bobo Dolls

• Watch Banduras Bobo Doll Experiment Video 11
  from Worths Digital Media Archive for
  Psychology.

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Modeling Requirements

• Bandura said 4 cognitive processes are used in
  observational learning
• Must pay attention to the other persons
  behavior.
• Must remember the other persons behavior.
• Must transform the memory into actions that you
  are capable of reproducing.
• Must have some motivation for you to imitate
  behavior.

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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.

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Observational Learning in Everyday Life
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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?
  (see pg. 228-229 in Hockenbury)

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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