Final answer:
Little Mary learning to fold clothes by observing and imitating her mother is an example of observational learning, a key concept within Social Studies related to child development and psychology. This illustrates how children develop cognitive and motor skills necessary for independence and autonomy through imitative behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
The narrative provided about Little Mary learning to help with laundry through imitation is reflective of a typical developmental stage in childhood, often explored in disciplines such as psychology, which falls under the broader category of Social Studies. This example illustrates the concept of observational learning, where a child watches someone perform a task and later replicates that behavior on their own. Observational learning is a fundamental concept in understanding how children acquire skills and behaviors in their environment.
Imitative behavior is not just an action but a fundamental learning process that contributes to a child's development. When Mary properly folds clothes by observing her mother, she is engaging in a form of social learning that helps in her cognitive and motor skills development. This development is crucial in shaping a child's ability to perform tasks independently and establish their sense of autonomy, as described in the case studies of toddlers beginning to explore their world.
Learning through imitation is evident across various scenarios, from the simple replication of household chores to more complex social behaviors. These examples provide insight into the impact that observational learning has on children, showing how significant it is as a mechanism for acquiring new behaviors and skills.