Observational Learning
Observational Learning
Learning by observing others
Modeling
• The process of observing and
imitating a specific behavior.
Module 16: Observational Learning
The Nature of
Observational Learning:
Albert Bandura’s
Experiments
Albert Bandura (1925-
)
• Canadian-American psychologist who is a
major figure in the study of observational
learning and several other important topics.
• Studies the consequences a model has on
subjects
• Bobo Doll experiments
• The importance of
“Sockeroo!”
Bobo Doll Experiments
• 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.
Bobo Doll Experiments
Bobo Doll Experiments
Self Efficacy
Bandura believed that a person’s belief in
his/her ability influences whether or not
they can perform a certain behavior.
Self-efficacy can also influence your goals,
actions and successes (or failures) in life.
If your self-efficacy is too low- you won’t
challenge yourself
If your self-efficacy is too high you won’t
achieve your goal
Vicarious Learning
• Learning by seeing the consequences
of another person’s behavior.
Modeling Requirements
• Bandura suggests four requirements for
effective modeling to occur:
– Attention
– Retention
– Ability to reproduce the behavior
– Motivation
Module 16: Observational Learning
The Nature of
Observational Learning:
Mirror Neurons
Mirror Neurons
• Brain cells located in the front of the brain
that activate when a person performs
certain actions or when the person observes
another do so.
• The nerve cells activate when the person
does a specific
behavior and when
they observe
someone doing the
same behavior.
Module 16: Observational Learning
Observational Learning in
Everyday Life
Aggression?
There is a difference…..
What is aggression?
Behavior with intent
to harm
Can be physical or
psychological
What is Violence?
Aggression
intended to cause
extreme injury
Relational Aggression= behavior
intended to damage another person’s
relationships
Evidence of gender
differences by age 4-5
Teacher ratings
12% boys= physical
3% girls=physical
0% boys=relational
26% girls= relational
Many Theories of aggression
Much research…
General Aggression Model
This broad theory says that aggression is
a result of a chain of psychological
processes, including: situational events,
aggressive thoughts and feelings and
interpretation of the situation.
Must interpret the situation as one in
which aggression is fitting behavior.
Must interpret setting as a threat and
arousal as anger.
Frustration-Aggression
Hypothesis
Revised theory
• Frustration is
sometimes caused by
aggression and
Highest degree of
aggression
aggression occurs when
sometimes causes
solvable problem but
frustration
presence of insults
Aggression on the playground..
• First 6 months of age= anger
• Ages 1-2= direct physical aggression
• School age= physical aggression changes
to verbal aggression- physical still exists
• Children who are aggressive tend to be
social rejected
• Some children see aggression as
appropriate
• Some aggressive children are not rejected
APA Commission on Violence and
Youth
• Higher levels of violence on TV are
associated with increased acceptance of
aggressive attitudes and behavior
• Children’s exposure to TV violence has
harmful, lifelong consequences
APA Commission on Violence and
Youth
• Portrayals of women as
victims and minorities as
aggressive lead more
violence
• Viewing TV
programming and
commercials affects our
concept of reality.