Psychology of Learning EXP4404 Chapter 9: Observational Learning Dr. Steve
Topics Covered Observational Learning Defined Observational Learning vs. Imitation Generalized Imitation Variables Affecting Observational Learning Theories of Observational Learning Applications and Interpretations Mirror Neurons
Observational Learning Observational (Vicarious) Learning – Vicarious Reinforcement Vicarious Punishment
Observational Learning Herbert & Harsh (1944)
Observational Learning Rosekrans & Hartup (1967) – Pre-school children watched as an adult bopped a bobo doll on the head with a mallet and made comments such as, “I’ll knock your head off.” Another adult either praised or criticized the model
Observational Learning vs. Imitation Observational learning can occur without imitation Generalized Imitation
Variables Affecting Observational Learning Consequences of Model’s Behavior Hirata & Morimura (2000) Consequences of Observer’s Behavior
Variables Affecting Observational Learning Characteristics of the Model – Observers are more likely to learn from model when the model is perceived as: Observers more like to imitate models that are:
Variables Affecting Observational Learning Observer’s Age – “It depends” Levy Lonsdorf Coates & Hartup Kawamura
Theories of Observational Learning Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory – Observational learning involves 4 processes: 1. Attentional Processes 1. Retentional Processes 1. Motor Reproductive Processes 1. Motivational Processes
Theories of Observational Learning Miller-Dollard Reinforcement Theory – Imitated behaviors were only repeated if Potential problems:
Applications of Observational Learning Foraging Kawamura Sherry & Galef Gaudet & Fenton
Applications of Observational Learning Crime and Television Bandura’s bobo doll studies found that children were more likely to play aggressively after watching adult on video act aggressively
Theories of Observational Learning Mirror Neuron Mirror Neuron