5.20 : Observational Learning

Albert Bandura's observational learning, also known as imitation or modeling, occurs when a person observes and imitates another's behavior. It is a quicker process than operant conditioning. A well-known example is the Bobo doll study, where children who saw an adult acting aggressively towards the doll were more likely to act aggressively when left alone, compared to those who observed a nonaggressive adult. Many psychologists view observational learning as a form of latent learning because it allows learning without direct reinforcement. The people who perform the behaviors to be imitated are called models. Research suggests that this type of learning involves specific neurons called mirror neurons.

Bandura, along with other researchers, developed social learning theory, which includes cognitive processes in explaining learning. He argued that pure behaviorism, which focuses solely on external reinforcement, could not fully explain learning. Bandura believed that internal mental states also play a role and that observational learning is more complex than simple imitation.

Observational learning can happen in several ways. A new response can be learned by observing another's experience. For instance, witnessing a coworker being scolded for being late to the office can lead to leaving home earlier to avoid the same outcome. Another way is by deciding whether to imitate a model based on observed consequences. An example is observing someone successfully standing on a surfboard and then attempting the same, or avoiding touching a hot stove after seeing someone else get burned. Observational learning also aids in learning general rules that can be applied to different situations. For example, a child watches their sibling tie shoelaces and later uses the same technique to tie a different type of shoe.

Bandura identified three types of models: live, verbal, and symbolic. A live model demonstrates a behavior in person, such as when one person shows another how to stand on a surfboard. A verbal instructional model explains the behavior without performing it, such as a soccer coach instructing players to kick the ball with the side of the foot. A symbolic model includes fictional characters or real people demonstrating behaviors in books, movies, television shows, video games, or online sources.