Monkey see monkey do Observational Learning Observational Learning

Monkey see monkey do! Observational Learning

Observational Learning � Observational learning occurs when someone uses observation of another person's actions and their consequences to guide their future actions � Because the person being observed is referred to as a model, observational learning is often called modelling or social learning. � This is not to say that every time we watch someone do something we learn how to do it � Observational learning is a more active process than either classical or operant conditioning � It is not entirely different from conditioning.

Vicarious Conditioning �Normal Operant Conditioning the learner is directly reinforced or punished �Vicarious reinforcement – viewing a model being reinforced can strengthen behaviour in an observer �Vicarious punishment – viewing a model being punished can weaken a behaviour in an observer

Bandura’s Bobo Doll Studies �Will children model violent behaviour? �Does TV violence effect children? �Does it matter who they observe? �Are boys more violent than girls?

Bandura’s Bobo Doll Studies �All experiments involved children witnessing adult models be in the room with a bobo doll �Some models were aggressive, some calm and some ignored the doll altogether �Children were then given the opportunity to play in a room with the doll �Aggressive acts by the child towards the doll were recorded

Bandura’s Bobo Doll Study -1 (1961) � 3 conditions Experimental � Aggressive model in room with doll � Non aggressive model in room with doll Control � No model in room

Bandura’s Bobo Doll Study -1 (1961) Aggressive model condition - sub groups 6 boys with male model 6 boys with female model 6 girls with male model Non aggressive model condition – sub groups 6 boys with male model 6 boys with female model 6 girls with male model Control condition – 24 children each with no model in the room

Bandura’s Bobo Doll Study -1 (1961) Results � Children who saw aggressive model performed more aggressive acts � Boys were more aggressive over all � Boys imitated aggression more from male models � Girls imitated physical aggression more from male models rather than female � Girls imitated verbal aggression from female models rather than male � Children already had sex role expectation about male and female aggression – ‘that’s not the way for a lady to behave’, ‘that man is a strong fighter’. These expectations influenced how much they imitated male vs female aggression. � Behaviour learned through observation may not be demonstrated unless opportunity presented

Bandura’s Bobo Doll Study -2 (1963 a) � 4 conditions Experimental • Live Human aggressive model • Human aggressive models on film • Aggressive cartoon character on film Control • No model shown

Bandura’s Bobo Doll Study -2 (1963 a) Results �Exposure to aggressive models increases the probability that children will behave aggressively �This is true both for real life models and film- portrayed models �Sex differences were again found

Nelson Psychology VCE Units 3 & 4: Teacher Resource CD 9780170185219 © Cengage Learning Australia 2011

Bandura’s Bobo Doll Study -3 (1963 b) � 4 conditions Experimental • Aggressive model rewarded with praise and a food treat • Aggressive model punished with verbal telling off and a spanking Control • Non aggressive model received no consequence • No model shown

Bandura’s Bobo Doll Study -3 (1963 b) Results � Model reinforced – More copied aggressive behaviour � No significant difference between other conditions � Boys were more aggressive than girls generally � Children in experimental conditions were later asked which of the two models they would like to be � The models success in gaining reward was a key factor in choosing who they wanted to be like

The ‘Bobo’ doll

Elements of Observational Learning � The learner plays an active role in the learning process. They must: Pay attention in order to observe the modelled behaviour. Attention may be influenced by numerous factors: � The motivation and interest level of the observer � Situation in which the behaviour is being observed � Personality and characteristics (attractiveness) of the model Mentally retain what has been observed � Responses learned by modelling are often not needed until some time after they have been acquired � Therefore, memory plays an active role in observational learning.

Elements of Observational Learning Be capable of reproducing the behaviour � Our ability to reproduce the modelled response may be restricted by physical limitations � Learner must be old enough, intellectually able � Paraplegics cannot learn to walk by observing others Be motivated or have some reinforcement available � Learner must want to imitate the learnt behaviour � Unless the behavioural response provides a reward for you, it is unlikely that you will want to learn it

Observing and Learning

Revision �Chapter 11 Test for ALL Brain Teaser #22 ‘People can learn by Learning Theories �True/False Quiz for ALL Learning Theories observing others. ’ Discuss this statement with reference to an example using the five key elements of Observational Learning. �Learning Activities: � 11. 26 � 11. 27 � 11. 28 � 11. 29 � 11. 30 Brain Teaser #23 ‘Watson’s experiments with Little Albert were extremely unethical and would never happen in today’s society. ’ Discuss this statement with reference to the current psychological ethical guidelines.