Observational Learning

Observational Learning

Learning by observing others

Modeling

• The process of observing and imitating a specific behavior.

The Nature of Observational Learning:

Albert Bandura’s Experiments

Module 16: Observational Learning

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

The Nature of Observational Learning:

Mirror Neurons

Module 16: Observational Learning

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.

Observational Learning in Everyday LifeAggression?

Module 16: Observational Learning

There is a difference…..

What is aggression?Behavior with intent

to harmCan 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

Highest degree of aggression occurs when solvable problem but presence of insults

Revised theory•Frustration is sometimes caused by aggression and aggression sometimes causes frustration

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.