Transcript Observational Learning

Observational Learning
Do as I say, not as I do….
• Learning by watching others
Observational Learning
• 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 passed on by
imitation. Fads all spread by copying one another.
Vicarious Learning
• Learn through observing
behaviors and consequences of
others
• Think about watching your
siblings
Bobo Doll Experiments
Social Learning Theory
Albert Bandura
Click for video
Modeling Requirements
• According to Bandura 4 cognitive processes are
used in observational learning
– Must pay attention to the other person’s
behavior.
– Must remember the other person’s behavior for
hours, days, weeks.
– Must be able to physically re-enact what was
modeled.
– Must have some motivation for you to imitate
behavior.
Factors That Increase Imitation
•If rewarded for behavior
•If you feel like you’re being controlled
•If you’re mimicking people who are of similar
sex, age, interests
•People who you perceive as higher social status
•When the task is easy to imitate
•If you lack confidence (copy cat acts)
Biological Findings
•Mirror neurons in the frontal lobe by the
motor cortex
•When you watch someone perform the task,
your brain lights up as if you’re performing the
task
Latent Learning
• Learning does not become obvious until a reinforcement is
given for demonstrating it
• Where is the closest exit in an unfamiliar building?
– You will find it really quick when there is an emergency
Insight Learning
• When one suddenly realizes how to
solve a problem
• Ah-ha moment!
Mere Exposure Effect
• Did you love your favorite song the
first time you heard it, or did it take
a few times?