2. Mirrors and Imitation in the Brain 30
Mirrors and Imitation in the Brain 30.1 – Describe the process of observational learning, and explain how some scientists believe it is enables by mirror neurons.
Observational Learning: learning by observing others. Also called social learning.
Watching what another person does can affect your own behavior. Albert Bandura conducted an experiment on the effects of observational learning, acquiring knowledge by watching others perform a task. Bandura’s study, known as the Bobo doll experiment (because of the use of a children’s toy that when pushed over returns immediately to the upright position) is considered one of the more influential studies in psychology. The purpose of the study was to examine what effects the violence displayed in the media might have on children’s behavior. Bandura’s study concluded that children who watched a recorded adult actor behave violently toward the Bobo doll modeled, imitated or copied the behavior that was directly observed, the same aggressive behavior when they were allowed to interact with the Bobo doll. Children who watched the adult actor play “nice” with the Bobo doll displayed the same behavior when put in the room with the toy. This study demonstrated the impact that witnessing violent or aggressive acts on television can have on a child’s behavior.
Bandura’s research on the effects of media violence on children is not without criticism. Some argue that there are confounding variables in his study: previous exposure to violent behavior or possible previous exposure to the Bobo doll toy.

3. Mirrors and Imitation in the Brain 30
Mirrors and Imitation in the Brain 30.1 – Describe the process of observational learning, and explain how some scientists believe it is enables by mirror neurons.
Observational Learning: learning by observing others. Also called social learning.
Bobo Doll Study (Albert Bandura, 1961)
Indicated that individuals (children) learn through the imitation of others who receive rewards and punishments
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

4. Mirrors and Imitation in the Brain 30
Mirrors and Imitation in the Brain 30.1 – Describe the process of observational learning, and explain how some scientists believe it is enables by mirror neurons.

5. Mirrors and Imitation in the Brain 30
Mirrors and Imitation in the Brain 30.1 – Describe the process of observational learning, and explain how some scientists believe it is enables by mirror neurons.
Mirror Neurons: neuroscientists discovered mirror neurons (frontal lobe) in the brains of animals and humans that are active during observational learning. The brain’s mirroring of another’s action may enable imitation and empathy.
Learning by observational learning begins early in life. A 12-month old infant sees an adult look left, and immediately follows her gaze.

6. Mirrors and Imitation in the Brain 30
Mirrors and Imitation in the Brain 30.1 – Describe the process of observational learning, and explain how some scientists believe it is enables by mirror neurons.
Four Basic Processes in O.L.
Attention
Must pay attention to a model’s behavior & its consequences
Retention
Must store a mental representation
Reproduction
Must convert stored mental image into overt behavior
Not always an easy task
Motivation
Must believe that behavior is likely to pay off

7. Applications of Observational Learning 30
Applications of Observational Learning 30.2 – Discuss the impact of prosocial modeling and of antisocial modeling.
Antisocial Modules – unfortunately, Bandura’s studies show that antisocial models (family, neighborhood or TV) may have antisocial effects.
Television and the Media – more recent research also shows that children in elementary school who are exposed to violent television, videos, and video games express increased aggression.
Positive Observational Learning – fortunately, prosocial models (positive, helpful) have prosocial effects.

8. Applications of Observational Learning 30
Applications of Observational Learning 30.2 – Discuss the impact of prosocial modeling and of antisocial modeling.
Antisocial Modules – unfortunately, Bandura’s studies show that antisocial models (family, neighborhood or TV) may have antisocial effects.
Television and the Media – more recent research also shows that children in elementary school who are exposed to violent television, videos, and video games express increased aggression.
Positive Observational Learning – fortunately, prosocial models (positive, helpful) have prosocial effects.