1. Learning is when you learn something…?
Psychology: Learning
Learning is when you learn something…?
AP Psychology: Unit VI

2. Learning: Observational Learning
Part ONE
Monkey see, monkey do…

3. Learning: Observational Learning
Learning a new behavior by watching a model perform that behavior
Involves being conditioned indirectly by virtue of observing others
Begins very early in life
Albert Bandura
Social Learning Theory
Examines the impact of a model on its subjects

4. Learning: Observational Learning
Mirror Neurons
Frontal lobe neurons that fire when performing certain actions or when observing another doing so
The brain’s mirroring of another’s action may enable imitation, language learning and empathy
Aid in observational learning

5. Learning: Observational Learning
Bobo Doll Study (Albert Bandura, 1961)
Indicated that individuals (children) learn through the imitation of others who receive rewards and punishments
Children watched an adult model show aggressive behavior toward a Bobo doll
Three experimental conditions
The model was praised
The model was punished
The model received no consequences for the aggressive behavior
Results?

7. Learning: Observational Learning
Four Basic Processes in O.L.
Attention
Must pay attention to a model’s behavior & its consequences
Retention
Must store a mental representation
Reproduction
Must convert stored mental image into overt behavior
Not always an easy task
Motivation
Must believe that behavior is likely to pay off