Observational Learning Theory and Its Application.pdf
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Observational learning theory, developed by Albert Bandura, explains how individuals learn behaviors by watching and imitating others. Key concepts include imitation, modeling, vicarious reinforcement, attention, retention, motor reproduction, and motivation, which collectively facilitate the learning process through observation. This theory has practical applications in various fields, including education, business management, and understanding human behavior.
Observational Learning Theory and Its Application.pdf
- 1. Observational Learning Theory By Khemraj Subedi Associate Professor Far Western University
- 2. Observational Learning • Albert Bandura (1925- 2021) was a Canadian- American psychologist who developed Observational learning. • Observational learning describes the process of learning by watching others, retaining the information, and then later replicating the behaviors that were observed.
- 3. Introduction to Observational Learning • Observational learning theory, also known as social learning theory or modeling, is a psychological theory developed by Albert Bandura that explains how people learn new behaviors by observing others. His work was published in 1977 book titled Social Learning Theory. According to this theory, learning can occur through direct experience or through the observation of others' actions, behaviors, and the consequences they experience. • Observational learning theory has been influential in understanding various aspects of human behavior, from the development of social skills to the acquisition of complex behaviors. It has applications in education, therapy, and the study of aggression, pro-social behavior, and media influence.
- 5. Key concepts of observational learning theory include: 1.Imitation: Observational learning involves the process of imitating or copying the actions of a model. People learn by observing and replicating the behaviors they see in others. The observed model can be a real person, a fictional character, or even symbolic representations such as media figures or role models. 2.Modeling: Modeling refers to the demonstration of a behavior by a model. Models can be individuals who are similar or influential to the observer, and they provide examples for learning. Observers pay attention to the model's behavior and the consequences of that behavior. 3. Vicarious Reinforcement: In observational learning, reinforcement plays a significant role. Observers are more likely to imitate a behavior if they see the model being rewarded or reinforced for that behavior. Similarly, they are less likely to imitate a behavior if they see the model being punished. This process is called vicarious reinforcement, as the observer learns from the consequences experienced by the model.
- 6. Key concepts of observational learning cont … 4. Attention: Attention is a critical component of observational learning. For learning to occur, observers must pay attention to the model's behavior and the relevant features of the situation. Factors that influence attention include the characteristics of the model (e.g., attractiveness, expertise), the salience of the behavior, and the observer's level of motivation. 5. Retention: Observational learning involves storing information about the observed behavior in memory. The observer must retain the information to reproduce the behavior later. This retention can be enhanced through rehearsal and practice.
- 7. Key concepts of observational learning cont … • Motor Reproduction: After attention and retention, the observer must be capable of reproducing the behavior. This requires the physical and cognitive ability to imitate the observed actions. The observer may start with simpler actions and gradually develop proficiency through practice. • Motivation: Motivation plays a crucial role in observational learning. Individuals are more likely to engage in imitative behavior if they are motivated to do so. Motivation can stem from various factors, including the expectation of rewards or positive outcomes associated with the behavior, identification with the model, or the desire to fulfill certain needs.
- 8. • According to Albert Bandura, learning cannot simply be based merely on associations or reinforcements which he has mentioned in his writings in his book Social Learning Theory which was published in 1977. Instead, his focus was on learning based on observation, which he has proven through his well known Bobo Doll experiment. He reckoned that children keenly observe their surroundings and the behaviour of people around them particularly their caregivers, teachers and siblings and try to imitate those behaviours in their day to day life. He also tried proving through his experiment that children can easily imitate the negative behaviours or actions. • Another important principle of Bandura’s Social Learning Theory was that learning something by way of observation, need not necessarily mean that it would lead to a change in the behaviour. This behavioural change is entirely influenced by the felt need or motivation of a person to endorse and adopt a behavioural change.
- 9. Application of Observational Learning in business management • Leadership Development: • Training and Skill Development: • Conflict Resolution: • Customer Service Training: • Change Management: • Decision-Making: • Innovation and Creativity: • Ethical Behavior: • Management teams can benefit from observational learning by observing successful team dynamics. • Sales and Marketing Techniques:
- 10. References • Bandura, A., Grusec, J. E., & Menlove, F. L. (1966). Observational learning as a function of symbolization and incentive set. Child development, 499-506. • Deguchi, H. (1984). Observational learning from a radical-behavioristic viewpoint. The Behavior Analyst, 7, 83-95. • Greer, R. D., Dudek-Singer, J., & Gautreaux, G. (2020). Observational learning. In Behavior Analysis Around the World (pp. 486-499). Psychology Press. • Fryling, M. J., Johnston, C., & Hayes, L. J. (2011). Understanding observational learning: An interbehavioral approach. The Analysis of verbal behavior, 27, 191-203. • Horn, R. R., & Williams, A. M. (2004). Observational learning. Skills acquisition in sport: Research, theory, and practice, 175-203. • Hodges, N. J., Williams, A. M., Hayes, S. J., & Breslin, G. (2007). What is modelled during observational learning?. Journal of sports sciences, 25(5), 531-545.