Transcript Observational Learning

Observational Learning
Agenda
1. Classical or Operant? WS (10)
2. Social Learning (20)
3. Video Clip: Observational Learning (18)
4. Discussion: Does violent video games breed violent acts in
kids? (15)
5. Review Guide (10)
Bellringer
 Why is not always a good idea to use
punishment?
 What is an example of positive
reinforcement.
Bellringer
 In a nursery school classroom, the teacher raises her
hand and asks the children to get quiet. The children
then become quiet. She continues to raise her hand and
ask them to get quiet every time it is necessary for the
next four weeks. After four weeks pass, the teacher raises
her hand without saying anything, the students
immediately become quiet. This is now standard
practice in the classroom.
 UCS
 UCR
 NS
 CS
 CR
Observational learning
We learn through
observing and
imitating others.
Modeling
The process of
observing and
imitating a specific
behavior
Memes
Self-replicating ideas,
fashions, and
innovations passed
from person to person
Mirror Neurons
Frontal lobe neurons that
fire when performing
certain actions or when
observing another doing
so
Mirror Neurons
 Brain’s mirroring of
another’s action may
enable imitation, language
learning, and empathy
Imitation Onset
 Learning by
observation begins
early in life.
 This 14 month child
imitates the adult
on TV in pulling a
toy apart.
Albert Bandura
Pioneering researcher of
observational learning
(social learning theory)
Bobo doll experiment
(1961)
Proves that conditioning
does not have to be a
product of a direct
experience.
Bobo Doll Experiment
Children imitated the very
acts they had observed and
used the very words they
had heard.
 This indicated that
individuals (children) learn
through imitating others who
receive rewards and
punishments.

You are more likely to imitate:
People who are rewarded
for the behavior
Warm, nurturing people
People who have control
over you
You are more likely to imitate:
People similar to you in
age, interest, or sex
People you perceive as
having higher social
status
A task that is difficult
You are more likely to imitate:
Lack confidence in your
ability
In unfamiliar situations
If you have been rewarded
for same behavior in the
past
Applications of observational learning
 Unfortunately,
Bandura’s studies show
that anti-social models
(family,
neighborhoods, or TV)
may be have anti-social
effects.
Prosocial Behavior
Positive, constructive,
helpful behavior
Prompt similar behavior
in others
Prosocial Behavior
Antisocial Behavior
 Negative
 Destructive behavior that goes against
the norms of society
Television and observational
learning
Two-thirds of US homes have more
than one TV
9 out of 10 teens watch TV daily
Someone 75 years old has spent about
9 years of life watching TV
Television and observational
learning
Average person has viewed 8000
TV murders and 100,000 other
acts of violence before finishing
elementary school.
Television and Observational
Learning
 Gentile (2004) shows that
children in elementary
school who are exposed to
violent television, videos,
and video games express
increased aggression.
Modeling Violence
 Research shows that viewing media violence
leads to an increased expression of aggression.
What effect does media
have on us?
Clips to show
 Crash Course:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=128Ts5r9NRE
 Pro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zerCK0lRjp8
 Con: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhHoC7KP6E4