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Define and provide an example of observational learning.

Nov 16, 2023

Define and provide an example of observational learning.

Answer

Observational learning, also known as social learning or modeling, is a type of learning that occurs through watching others and then imitating or modeling the observed behavior. An example of observational learning is a child learning to brush their teeth by watching their parents do it every morning and night.

Key Concept

Observational Learning

Explanation

Observational learning is a process identified by Albert Bandura that involves four stages: attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation. This type of learning is fundamental in understanding how we acquire new behaviors without direct experience or reinforcement. In the given example, the child pays attention to the parents' behavior, retains the information on how to perform the task, reproduces the brushing action, and is motivated to do so, perhaps by the desire to be like the parents or to receive praise.