Final answer:
The term “Monkey See, Monkey Do” refers to observational learning where individuals imitate behaviors they observe, a concept supported by research on mirror neurons. Bandura's theory outlines steps involved in this learning process and emphasizes the role of reinforcement in influencing imitation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term “Monkey See, Monkey Do refers to A) a phrase used to describe observational learning in which individuals imitate the behavior of others. This concept is central to the field of Psychology and relates to how individuals, be they human or animal, can learn new behaviors by watching and then modeling what they observe. A classic example of this can be seen in young children who learn behaviors such as tying their shoes or dancing by observing and imitating their parents or others around them. Meanwhile, research on mirror neurons has supported the idea that certain neurons in the brain are responsible for this capability to observe and imitate actions, which is fundamental in learning processes across various species including humans, wolves, and monkeys.
Specifically, Albert Bandura's theory of observational learning outlines that such learning involves steps which include paying attention to the model, retention of the observed behavior, reproduction of the behavior, and finally, motivation to perform the behavior. This type of learning is significantly impacted by reinforcement and punishment seen by the observer, determining whether the behavior will likely be imitated or not. For instance, seeing a model being rewarded (vicarious reinforcement) increases the likelihood of the observer repeating the behavior. Furthermore, Bandura identified three types of models: live models who demonstrate behavior in person, verbal instructional models who describe the behavior, and symbolic models such as characters in media.