Observational Learning
Agenda 1. Classical or Operant? WS (10) 2. Social Learning (20) 3. Video Clip: Observational Learning (18) 4. Discussion: Does violent video games breed violent acts in kids? (15) 5. Review Guide (10)
Bellringer Why is not always a good idea to use punishment? What is an example of positive reinforcement.
Bellringer In a nursery school classroom, the teacher raises her hand and asks the children to get quiet. The children then become quiet. She continues to raise her hand and ask them to get quiet every time it is necessary for the next four weeks. After four weeks pass, the teacher raises her hand without saying anything, the students immediately become quiet. This is now standard practice in the classroom. UCS UCR NS CS CR
Observational learning We learn through observing and imitating others.
Modeling The process of observing and imitating a specific behavior
Memes Self-replicating ideas, fashions, and innovations passed from person to person
Mirror Neurons Frontal lobe neurons that fire when performing certain actions or when observing another doing so
Mirror Neurons Brain’s mirroring of another’s action may enable imitation, language learning, and empathy
Imitation Onset Learning by observation begins early in life. This 14 month child imitates the adult on TV in pulling a toy apart.
Albert Bandura Pioneering researcher of observational learning (social learning theory) Bobo doll experiment (1961) Proves that conditioning does not have to be a product of a direct experience.
Bobo Doll Experiment Children imitated the very acts they had observed and used the very words they had heard. This indicated that individuals (children) learn through imitating others who receive rewards and punishments.
You are more likely to imitate: People who are rewarded for the behavior Warm, nurturing people People who have control over you
You are more likely to imitate: People similar to you in age, interest, or sex People you perceive as having higher social status A task that is difficult
You are more likely to imitate : Lack confidence in your ability In unfamiliar situations If you have been rewarded for same behavior in the past
Applications of observational learning Unfortunately, Bandura’s studies show that anti-social models (family, neighborhoods, or TV) may be have anti-social effects.
Prosocial Behavior Positive, constructive, helpful behavior Prompt similar behavior in others
Prosocial Behavior
Antisocial Behavior Negative Destructive behavior that goes against the norms of society
Television and observational learning Two-thirds of US homes have more than one TV 9 out of 10 teens watch TV daily Someone 75 years old has spent about 9 years of life watching TV
Television and observational learning Average person has viewed 8000 TV murders and 100,000 other acts of violence before finishing elementary school.
Television and Observational Learning Gentile (2004) shows that children in elementary school who are exposed to violent television, videos, and video games express increased aggression.
Modeling Violence Research shows that viewing media violence leads to an increased expression of aggression.
What effect does media have on us?
Clips to show Crash Course: Pro: Con: