Download Observational Learning

Psychology:
Learning
Learning is when you learn
something…?
AP PSYCHOLOGY: UNIT VI
Learning:
Observational Learning
PART ONE
Monkey see, monkey do…
Learning: Observational Learning
 Observational Learning
 Learning a new behavior
by watching a model perform
that behavior


Involves being conditioned
indirectly by virtue of observing
others
 Begins very early in life
Albert Bandura

Social Learning Theory
 Examines the impact of a model on its subjects
Learning: Observational Learning
 Mirror Neurons
 Frontal lobe neurons that fire when performing
certain actions or when observing another doing so

The brain’s mirroring of another’s action may enable
imitation, language learning and empathy
 Aid in observational learning
 http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/body/mirrorneurons.html
Learning: Observational Learning
 Bobo Doll Study (Albert Bandura, 1961)
 Indicated that individuals (children) learn through
the imitation of others who receive rewards and
punishments
Children watched an adult model show aggressive
behavior toward a Bobo doll
 Three experimental conditions
 The model was praised
 The model was punished
 The model received no consequences for the aggressive
behavior
 Results?

Learning: Observational Learning
 Four Basic Processes in O.L.
 Attention


Retention


Must pay attention to a model’s behavior & its
consequences
Must store a mental representation
Reproduction
Must convert stored mental image into overt behavior
 Not always an easy task


Motivation

Must believe that behavior is likely to pay off