Observational Learning

Question 1

Observational learning

Answer 1

Observational learning occurs when someone uses observation of another person’s actions and their consequences to guide their future actions

Question 2

Vicarious conditioning

Answer 2

Learning how to behave by watching others being reinforced or punished for that behaviour

Question 3

Vicarious reinforcement

Answer 3

viewing a model being reinforced can strengthen behaviour in an observer

*The observer will behave in a similar fashion to the model if they believe their behaviour will also be rewarded

Question 4

Vicarious punishment

Answer 4

viewing a model being punished can weaken a behaviour in an observer

Question 5

Attention

Answer 5

learner pays attention to the model’s behaviour to recognise key features

We are more likely to imitate a model who we like, is similar to us, is familiar to us, and whose behaviour is visible

The behaviour should be readily available and noticeable

the behaviour should be seen as achievable

Question 6

Retention

Answer 6

The learner retains in memory what was observed

The observer must make a mental representation of what is observed in order to be able to replicate it.

Question 7

Reproduction

Answer 7

The learner is able to replicate what was observed

We must have the ability to put the observed and remembered behaviour into practice

Question 8

Motivation

Answer 8

learner must want to perform what was observed

Question 9

Reinforcement

Answer 9

Influences the likelihood of reproduction (reinforcement increases likelihood whereas punishment decreases likelihood)