Observational Learning

Higher animals, humans and apes, have the ability to learn by observation We do not need associations or direct consequences to learn certain things, we can learn by modeling, or copying others behaviors When we learn by observing others, that is called observational learning “We are, in truth, more than half what we are by imitation.” –Chesterfield

Our frontal cortex contains mirror neurons, parts of our brain that fire when we are observing others or imitating others These mirror neurons support imitation and empathy, they often make emotions contagious, letting us “feel what they feel”

Bandura & Bobo Albert Bandura setup an experiment that had children watch a model play with a blow-up clown doll (Bobo) What they witnessed was the model punching, kicking, and throwing the toy When the child has been frustrated, (the model says she is saving the better toys for the “other kids), they let the child into the room with the doll

Compared to other children who did not watch the model, the children were much more likely to lash out at the doll after observing The whole idea is this: by watching, we as humans learn to anticipate a behavior’s consequences

Applications People learn faster when they are not just told what to do, but get to watch (teacher assisting, business shadowing, nursing/doctor apprenticeship, etc.) Children who are exposed to prosocial behavior, positive constructive, helpful behavior, are more likely to participate in events that are prosocial

On the other hand, observational learning can lead to antisocial behavior Antisocial behavior could be learned from parents, guardians, and even TV Studies of TV effects have shown strong correlational effects of children and people being much more violent after being exposed to TV

Too much exposure to violence on television can do two things Desensitize us to it, making us think: “It’s no big deal” Imitation, causing children/people to copy what they see