Observational Learning Flashcards
What is observational learning?
Type of learning that happens indirectly through a process of watching others and then imitating their behaviour, also known as Modelling
What are the factors that influence observational learning? (and define)
[ARRM]
Attention - extent to which we notice others behaviour
Retention - ability to remember what was noticed
Reproduction - ability to perform actions we observed
Motivation - need for the actions we witness; their usefulness to us
How is observation learning differ from operant conditioning?
operant conditioning - direct experience while learning, no distinction between learning and performance, does not include cognition in learning process
observation learning - learning occurs through observation, learning can occur but not be performed unless there is motivation, includes cognitive - with mental representation
What experiment has been used to research observational learning? and what was its methodology?
Bandura’s bobo doll experiments.
72 children (37-39 months old) were exposed to either 2 different adult models; an aggressive or non-aggressive model. After witnessing their behaviour, children would then be placed in a room alone and observed to see if they would model the behaviours they witnessed earlier.
How can the characteristics of the role model increase learning through observation?
aggressive model = aggressive behaviour,
people we perceive as warm and nurturing
people who receive rewards for their behaviour
authority figures/ people we admire
similar to us in age, sex and interests
when we lack confidence
when the situation is confusing/unfamilar
What is the advantages of using behavioural counts in research?
it allows objective quantitative data to be collected, reducing observer error and increasing reliability
What demonstrates that observational learning has a biological basis? (& example)
Mirror Neurons causes learning and imitative behaviour. Discovered by Rizzolatti during his monkey movement study, his team recorded neuron activity in the frontal and parietal areas of the brain during the observation of a movement being completed and then its execution.
e.g. when we see a person smile, neurons fire in our brain that are related to similar movements, hence we unconscious smile in return.
