Observational Learning Flashcards
Observational Learning (Definition)
Observation learning : the concept of whether we can learn by observing the experience(s) of another person
Thorndike
Thorndike noticed that animals could not learn behaviors, such as how to escape a maze, just by watching another animal
- Animals needed rewards & punishments to learn (operant conditioning)
- Realized that observational learning is is more relevant to humans
How Observational Learning Works
Learning occurs as a change in behavior due to the experience of observing a behavior
- Consists of 2 Steps :
- Vicarious reinforcement – we see someone else being reinforced for the behavior they are are performing; we are more likely to do the behavior too because we think we will be reinforced
- Vicarious punishment – if someone else is being punished for a behavior, we are less likely to try it; we had to witness the experience
Imitation vs Observational learning
Imitation : simply repeating the behavior without any signs of learning
- You do the behavior and then brain dump it
Generalized imitation
Generalized imitation : reinforcing the tendency to imitate behaviors.
- When the reinforcement is removed, the person will begin to stop repeating the behavior
Variables Affecting Observational Learning
(C)
Contingency : how often the behavior is reinforced
- If behaviors are consistently reinforced or punished, we are more likely to duplicate or avoid them.
- You need to witness the punishment or reward immediately; the faster you see it happen the more likely you will learn it observationally
Consequences of the Observer’s Behavior
- If we are reinforced for observing others, we are more likely to observe more frequently
- Example : Kid watches for signs of a violent temper at home.) - If the person we are observing is reinforced
(especially, if it is repeated and strong reinforcement) we are more likely to try the behavior ourselves.
Characteristics of the Observational model
- We are more influenced by models who are
attractive, likeable etc
- Examples : Celebrities, fictional characters - Central route and peripheral route persuasion
Central route persuasion & Peripheral route persuasion
Central route persuasion - When we are watching someone central route is when the person is using a lot of logic
- Example : commercials such as political campaigns since they use clear arguments
Peripheral route persuasion – it targets your emotional response
- Example : commercials about dogs in need of adoption
The Importance of the Observer’s age
- Levy et al (1974) noted that children were more likely to imitate adult behaviors
- Older observers tend to pay attention and process more information than younger observers
- Adults and teens are easily distracted compared to kids, due to hormones, although they are diligently observing others
Observer’s learning history
- If we have learned effectively (and been reinforced) from observing others, we are more likely to increase observations
- Much of this comes from experience and age
- Mood state is important; we tend to learn best when in a positive mood, and we tend to learn simple tasks better than complex ones
Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory
(A. R. M. MP)
KEY WORDS : Watches, notices, observes etc
- Attentional processes – observer needs to pay attention to the relevant aspects of the model’s behavior
- If they aren’t watching closely, the learning can’t occur - Retentional processes – after we pay attention, we then need to process and retain the new information
- Language helps with this process as we convert actions into words in our minds (Oh, he lines up the shot, then throws the ball.) - Motor (Or Cognitive) reproductive processes – observer must have the motor/cognitive skills necessary to repeat the behavior
- Motivational processes – observer needs to CARE about the behavior and want to duplicate it or they will not attempt the task
- They need to want to succeed or at least try
