Observational Learning Flashcards
What is observational learning?
It is when a subject’s response is influenced through observation of others’ behaviours.
What are the four key processes of Bandura’s modelling process, and how are they relevant?
Attention (paying attention to the behaviour we want to learn), retention (how much of the behaviour do we retain), reproduction (how capable are we of emulating it) and motivation (whether it is useful enough for us to feel motivated to duplicate it).
What does Cook & Mineka (1987)’s observational learning experiment tell us (flowers vs snakes)?
That there are biological predispositions that constrain observational learning. Monkeys have a greater instinct of being afraid of snakes rather than flowers.
What does Bandura et al.’s (1963) experiment inform us?
Children are impressionable and often emulate behaviour from adults.
What are some factors to consider when selecting models whose behaviours are to be copied?
Their similarity, prestige (credibility of model), competence (competent, but not too difficult to emulate) and past experiences with the observer (whether the observer has had success emulating their behaviour). Additionally, the number of models (strength in numbers).
What was the problem with “Clever Hans”?
“Clever Hans” was a horse who was deemed able to understand German, hence people were convinced horses had similar cognitive abilities to humans. However, he was simply able to read the body language of the people. Hence, he was using simpler processes.
