Final answer:
Video modeling is not a new area of research in education and behavior analysis; it has been part of the field for decades, largely stemming from Albert Bandura's work on observational learning.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that video modeling is a new area of research in the field of education and behavior analysis is false. Video modeling has been explored for several decades, particularly in the context of social learning theory. Albert Bandura, a prominent psychologist, conducted seminal work in the realm of observational learning, including various forms of modeling such as live, verbal, and symbolic models, which have been well-established concepts in psychology long before the current era of digital media. Video modeling aligns closely with the symbolic form of modeling, as it involves observing behaviors through media sources. Bandura's research on behavior modeling using the Bobo doll experiment in the 1960s provided significant insights into how individuals, especially children, learn through observation and imitation of others.
In terms of contemporary educational practices, video modeling has been utilized for teaching various skills and behaviors, particularly to individuals with developmental disabilities such as autism. The process of modeling includes imperative steps: attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation, as identified by Bandura. The research in this domain has also detailed the role of mirror neurons which are believed to be crucial in imitation and observational learning. Hence, while technological advancements have certainly expanded the scope and application of video modeling, the core principles and research behind it are not new.