Final answer:
Observational learning is a process where an individual acquires new behaviors or skills by watching and imitating others. It is a form of social learning that relies on cognitive processes and the activity of mirror neurons, as opposed to learning strictly through direct reinforcement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The basic idea behind observational learning is that learning can occur by watching others and modeling what they do or say. This concept, largely developed by psychologist Albert Bandura, suggests that we can learn behaviors and skills simply by observing another individual, referred to as a model, and then imitating their actions. For example, a child may learn to dance by watching a performer on television and then attempting to replicate the moves. This is different from other types of learning, such as classical conditioning or operant conditioning, which require direct experiences or reinforcements. Observational learning also involves cognitive processes such as attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation.
Observational learning is evident in various scenarios, such as a young wolf learning hunting skills by mimicking older wolves, or a student learning to solve math problems by watching a teacher. Crucial to observational learning are elements like mirror neurons that facilitate the ability to replicate observed actions. In addition to Bandura's social learning theory, internal mental states are considered important for learning, which goes beyond the behaviorist perspective of learning being solely a result of external reinforcements.