1. Psychology of Learning EXP4404 Chapter 9: Observational Learning Dr. Steve

2. Topics Covered  Observational Learning Defined  Observational Learning vs. Imitation  Generalized Imitation  Variables Affecting Observational Learning  Theories of Observational Learning  Applications and Interpretations  Mirror Neurons

3. Observational Learning  Observational (Vicarious) Learning – Vicarious Reinforcement Vicarious Punishment

4. Observational Learning  Herbert & Harsh (1944)

5. Observational Learning  Rosekrans & Hartup (1967) – Pre-school children watched as an adult bopped a bobo doll on the head with a mallet and made comments such as, “I’ll knock your head off.” Another adult either praised or criticized the model

6. Observational Learning vs. Imitation  Observational learning can occur without imitation  Generalized Imitation

7. Variables Affecting Observational Learning  Consequences of Model’s Behavior Hirata & Morimura (2000) Consequences of Observer’s Behavior

8. Variables Affecting Observational Learning  Characteristics of the Model – Observers are more likely to learn from model when the model is perceived as: Observers more like to imitate models that are:

9. Variables Affecting Observational Learning  Observer’s Age – “It depends” Levy Lonsdorf Coates & Hartup Kawamura

10. Theories of Observational Learning  Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory – Observational learning involves 4 processes: 1. Attentional Processes 1. Retentional Processes 1. Motor Reproductive Processes 1. Motivational Processes

11. Theories of Observational Learning  Miller-Dollard Reinforcement Theory – Imitated behaviors were only repeated if Potential problems:

12. Applications of Observational Learning  Foraging Kawamura Sherry & Galef Gaudet & Fenton

13. Applications of Observational Learning  Crime and Television  Bandura’s bobo doll studies found that children were more likely to play aggressively after watching adult on video act aggressively

14. Theories of Observational Learning  Mirror Neuron Mirror Neuron