The correct answer is indirect
Theories of social learning originated in behaviorism (behaviorism). They share the principle that the consequences of the behavior influence its repetition. They differ in that cognitive processes not directly observable, such as expectations, thoughts and beliefs, influence the
behavior.
Bandura argues that we learn to observe others. The observation of external models (people, electronic means, books) accelerates learning more than if this behavior had to be carried out by the “apprentice”. You also avoid receiving negative consequences.
Bandura developed experimental observations in children from 3 to 6 years old that focused on imitation.
In the experiment, a group of children watched a film in which adults shouted and beat an inflatable doll in various ways, while another group (control group) was not subjected to viewing any film.
Bandura found that children who had watched the film had twice as many aggressive responses compared to the control group, and that they invented new forms of aggression that had not been observed.
Observational learning involves four elements:
Attention. There is a selection of what we pay attention to, which is crucial for learning by observation. This selection is made according to the characteristics of the model (status / prestige, competence, affective valence), the observer and the activity itself.
Retention. The observed information is encoded, translated and stored in our brain, with an organization in patterns, in the form of images and verbal constructions. Must have what is called a covered practice (be able to repeat imagery or prepositional procedures that he observed or rules) and what is called a behavioral practice (be able to perform repeated and systematic procedures that he observed)
Reproduction. It consists of translating the symbolic conceptions of the behavior stored in memory into the corresponding actions. There may be difficulties with this translation (eg physical disabilities) and therefore, correct execution should be facilitated when teaching someone.
Motivation and Interests. Bandura argues that acquisition is a different process than execution. So for a certain learned behavior to be performed, one must be motivated to do it, which can be achieved through incentives. Experiences show that a model of rewarded behavior is more likely to be imitated by observers than a model whose consequences were not rewarding or even penalizing.