This ppt goes throught the 5 stages of Observational Learning & accompanies a Youtube clip made on this. See www.ePsychVCE.com for link

1. Observational learning
• First discussed by Bandurra
• Occurs by watching others
• Noting the positive and
negative consequences of their
actions
• Then imitating these actions
• Eg. Learning to shake hands,
dance moves
• Classical and operant
conditioning can occur
(indirectly) through Vicarious
Conditioning –
• Hence: modelling is not totally
separate from O.C or C.C

2. Observational (vicarious) learning
• Vicarious Conditioning
• Learning indirectly by
observing others
• Involves observing the
consequences (reinforcement
or punishment) of others
behaviour and then modifying
own behaviour according to
those consequences observed.
• Hence Modelling is often
referred to as a form of Operant
conditioning (because the
learning is controlled by the
consequences)

3. Observational Learning (modeling)
Attention
Retention
5 stages
Of
Reproduction
modeling
Motivation
Reinforcement

4. 5 stages of Observational learning
• 1: Attention – the observer must
actively watch the model when
completing the task
• Attention is Influenced by
1. Motivation & interest of observer
2. Personality characteristics of
model
3. Avoidance of distracters
4. Distinctiveness, importance, Etc
Bandurra felt we are more likely to
attend to model if model has/ is
1. High status
2. Similar in nature to observer
3. Is well liked, is known, behavior is
visible/ distinctive
4. Etc

5. Stages 2, 3: Retention, Reproduction
• 2: Retention – the observer must
be able to make a mental
representation (step by step) of
the model’s behaviour
• The more meaningful you can
make that image (i.e. mental
representation of what you
observed) the more accurately
you will be able to replicate that
behaviour.
• 3: Reproduction – the observer
must have the ability to perform
the action
• Reproduction is restricted by
physical limitation i.e. I can’t do
the splits, no matter how many
times you show me!!!!!!!!!

6. Stages 4 Motivation & 5 & Reinforcement
• 4: Motivation– the learner must want
to perform behaviour. So if being taught
something, then the teacher should
encourage the learner to repeat the
behaviour just seen
• E.g. – Answering questions in a Psych
class after observing a student praised
for giving the right answer.
• 5 Reinforcement
• If the model receives positive
reinforcement, then this will increase
the liklihood that the observer will
repeat the behaviour
• E.g. Your friend dyes their hair black
and everyone compliments her (you
look pretty) then you might be inclined
to try a similar strategy to you hair color