1. Observational Learning

2. 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

3. 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”

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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