Final answer:
The tendency to imitate modeled behavior even when imitating is not reinforced is called 'over-imitation,' and is a form of observational learning that may involve mirror neurons. The correct answer is option: b) over-imitation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tendency to imitate modeled behavior even when imitating is not reinforced is called over-imitation. Over-imitation is a psychological phenomenon where individuals replicate an action that they have observed, even if it does not have any direct benefit or reinforcement associated with it.
Observational learning, a form of associative learning detailed in previous sections that also includes classical and operant conditioning, plays a crucial role in how we learn through watching others and then modeling our behavior accordingly.
This process often involves mirror neurons, which are believed to be an integral part of how we understand and imitate the actions of others. Emulation, generalized imitation, and habitual imitation are other terms related to observational learning but do not specifically describe the scenario where un-reinforced behavior is imitated.