Final answer:
Reinforcement in observational learning allows individuals to learn by observing others and the corresponding consequences they face. This type of learning, emphasized by Albert Bandura in his social learning theory, indicates that it's possible to learn behaviors without direct personal experience, therefore statement C is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
Observational Learning and Reinforcement
Reinforcement in the context of observational learning refers to the modifications in behavior that occur after individuals observe others receiving consequences for their actions. Unlike the claim that reinforcement occurs only through direct personal experience, observational learning allows individuals to learn by watching the behaviors of others and the corresponding reinforcements or punishments they receive. The statement that observing others being rewarded/punished influences behavior is accurate. It reflects the process whereby individuals can learn without direct experience, which was a pivotal discovery in social learning theory, particularly emphasized by Albert Bandura.
Operant conditioning, which is based on the work of B.F. Skinner, involves learning from the consequences of our behavior. However, Bandura's research showed that observational learning extends the ways in which we can learn, encompassing situations where we observe and imitate the behavior of others. The effectiveness of reinforcement in observational learning lies in its capacity to indirectly influence behaviors through the model of vicarious experiences.
Thus, statement C, which suggests that observing others being rewarded/punished influences behavior, is the correct understanding of how reinforcement operates within observational learning, illustrating that it does not require direct personal experience (contrary to statement A) and does not solely involve punishment for undesirable behaviors (contrary to statement B). Also, reinforcement is an integral and effective component of observational learning, refuting the claim made in statement D that reinforcement is ineffective in this context.