Question

What is observation learning psychology

Answer 1

Observational learning is a form of learning by watching and imitating the behavior of others, exemplified by Albert Bandura's social learning theory. It is a cognitive process involving internal mental states that contrasts with classical and operant conditioning, requiring attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Observational learning is a type of learning that occurs by watching the behaviors of others and then imitating, or modeling, those behaviors. A hallmark study in the understanding of this concept was conducted by psychologist Albert Bandura, who introduced social learning theory, which integrates cognitive processes into the understanding of learning. Unlike classical and operant conditioning, which require direct experience, observational learning can occur without external reinforcement and is exhibited when a child learns to tie shoes by watching their parents or when one learns to dance by observing a dancer on television.

According to Bandura, observational learning involves several cognitive steps: attention to the behavior, retention of the details, reproduction of the behavior, and motivation to perform the behavior. This learning process is not just a simple copycat scenario; it is much more complex and involves internal mental states. Mirror neurons have been proposed as a possible mechanism for this type of learning, as they fire both when an individual performs an action and when they observe another individual performing that same action.

Answer 2

Observational learning, also known as social learning or modeling, is a type of learning that occurs through observing and imitating the behavior of others. In psychology, observational learning is considered a form of social learning theory, which emphasizes the importance of the environment and social interactions in shaping behavior.

Observational learning can occur through direct observation of a model or through indirect observation, such as watching a video or reading about a behavior. The behavior that is observed and learned may be a new behavior, a modification of an existing behavior, or a reinforcement of an already learned behavior.

According to observational learning theory, there are four key elements that are necessary for observational learning to occur: attention, retention, motor reproduction, and reinforcement. Attention refers to the learner's ability to focus on the model's behavior, while retention involves the learner's ability to remember the behavior. Motor reproduction refers to the learner's ability to physically replicate the behavior, and reinforcement refers to the consequences of the behavior, which can either encourage or discourage future repetition of the behavior.

Observational learning has been shown to be a powerful tool for behavior modification and can be used in a variety of settings, such as in schools, workplaces, and therapy. It can also be used to explain how individuals acquire certain behaviors, such as aggression or altruism, and how cultural norms and values are transmitted from one generation to another.

Step-by-step explanation: