Observational learning, first discussed by Bandura, occurs by watching others and noting the consequences of their actions before imitating them. This process involves five stages: attention, retention, reproduction, motivation, and reinforcement, where one learns indirectly and modifies their behavior based on observations. Key factors influencing attention include the model's status, similarity to the observer, and distinctiveness of behavior.

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