University:
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Course:
PSY 105 | General Psychology
Academic year:

2023
Views:

87

Pages:

2
Author:

Jithin J I

Observational Learning and Social Cognitive Theory Introduction to Observational Learning  Observational learning, a key aspect of human behavior, involves the development of associations through the observation of others.  Unlike classical conditioning or instrumental learning, observational learning doesn't rely on personal experiences but rather on observing action effects generated by others.  Early examples of this phenomenon include newborns imitating facial gestures and preschool children reproducing complex movements observed in others.  Social cognitive learning, attributed to Albert Bandura, is central to understanding observational learning. The Role of Imitation  A crucial prerequisite for observational learning is the innate ability to imitate observed behaviors.  Spontaneous imitation is a fundamental learning principle seen in children imitating adults and individuals imitating unfamiliar behavior. Beyond Mere Imitation  Observational learning goes beyond mere imitation by considering the social consequences of behavior.  People tend to copy observed behaviors when they anticipate rewards or recognition, such as a soccer player diving in the penalty area to earn a penalty kick.  Conversely, they suppress similar behaviors when they fear punishment or rejection. Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory (SCT)  Bandura's theory classifies observational learning into three classes of reactions: 1. Model Effect: New behaviors occur after being observed in a model. 2. Inhibition or Disinhibition Effect: Undesirable behaviors are omitted or displayed after being punished or rewarded. 3. Triggering Effect: Observation of a model stimulates already acquired behavior in the observer.  Four sub-processes are essential for social cognitive learning through model observation: 1. Perception: The person must perceive the model's behavior (attention processes). 2. Retention: The person must store the observed behavior (retention processes). 3. Reproduction: The person must be capable of carrying out the behavior (reproduction processes). 4. Motivation: The person must be motivated to engage in the behavior (motivation processes). Study Box: Bobo Doll Study on Imitating Aggression in Children (Bandura, 1965)  In this study, Bandura demonstrated how children imitated aggressive behavior observed in an adult model.  The study highlighted the significance of observational learning in shaping behavior, especially in children. Conclusion Observational learning, as explained by Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory, underlines the influence of modeling and imitation in acquiring new behaviors and shaping existing ones. It emphasizes the role of perception, retention, reproduction, and motivation in the learning process through observation. This aspect of learning is not only vital for understanding human behavior but also has practical applications in various fields, including education and psychology.