Observational Learning

CORE DEFINITION

Observational learning, also known as vicarious learning, refers to the learning of behaviors or attitudes that occurs as a result of observing the behavior of others. Research on observational learning is mainly attributed to American psychologist Albert Bandura. Further research has begun to show the relationship between observational learning and classical conditioning and operant conditioning. Many people mistake observational learning for imitation. The difference between these two terms is that observational learning is a behavioral change caused by observing a model. This does not mean copying the model's behavior. It also means that the observer may behave in the opposite way to the model because they have learned the consequences of a certain behavior. This kind of learning, which involves what not to do, is observational learning without imitation. Although observational learning can occur at any stage of life, it is generally considered to occur mainly during important childhood years, especially when the influence of authority figures is significant. For observational learning, the best role models are those one to two years older than the observer. Therefore, social learning theory has influenced debates about television violence and the influence of parental role models.