Observational learning, developed by Albert Bandura, is a theory explaining how people learn behaviors by observing others and has applications in education, therapy, and social behavior. The process involves four key stages: attention, retention, motor reproduction, and motivation, each crucial for successful learning. Bandura's Bobo doll experiment highlighted the impact of reinforcement on behavior imitation, showing that children are more likely to replicate behaviors seen in models receiving rewards or experiencing no consequences.

1. Observational Learning
In Psychology
Chiranjibi Behera
Lecturer in Education
Deogarh College, Deogarh, Odisha, India

2. Observational
Learning
In Psychology
Albert Bandura (1925-2021)

3. Introduction to Observational Learning
• Observational learning theory, also known as social learning theory
or modeling, is a psychological theory developed by Albert Bandura
that explains how people learn new behaviors by observing others.
His work was published in 1977 book titled Social Learning Theory.
• According to this theory, learning can occur through direct experience
or through the observation of others' actions, behaviors, and the
consequences they experience.
• Observational learning theory has been influential in understanding
various aspects of human behavior, from the development of social
skills to the acquisition of complex behaviors. It has applications in
education, therapy, and the study of aggression, pro-social behavior,
and media influence.

4. Stages of Observational Learning

5. Stages of Observational Learning
Attention
• To learn, an observer must pay attention to something in the
environment. They must notice the model and the behavior
occurring. Attention levels can vary based on the characteristics of
the model and environment – including the model’s degree of
likeness, or the observer’s current mood.
• In humans, Bandura (1985) proposed, are likely to pay attention to
the behaviors of models that are high-status, talented, intelligent, or
similar to the learner in some way.
• Example 1: someone seeking to climb the corporate ladder may
observe the behavior of their managers and the vice presidents of
their company and try to mimic their behavior
• Example 2: A child learns to tie their shoes by watching a parent do
it, paying close attention to the steps involved.

6. Stages of Observational Learning
Retention
• Attention in itself, however, is not enough to learn a new behavior.
Observers Must also retain or remember the behavior at a later time.
In order to increase the chances of retention, the observer can
structure the information in a way that is easy to remember.
• To increase chances of retention, the observer must structure the
information in an easy-to-remember format. Maybe they use a
mnemonic device. Or form a daily learning habit.
• The behavior must be easily remembered so the action can be
performed with little or no effort.
• Example: A student memorizes a math formula they saw in class so
they can use it later on a test.

7. Stages of Observational Learning
Motor Reproduction
• Reproduction is the process where the observer must be able to
physically perform the behavior in the real-world. Easier said than
done.
• Often, producing a new behavior requires hours of practice to obtain
the skills. You can’t just watch your VP give a brilliant company-wide
presentation, then use only the observed tactics in your own
presentation 20-minutes later. Those skills take years to craft and
perfect.
• Example: A dancer practices the steps they observed in a dance class
until they can perform them accurately.

8. Stages of Observational Learning
Motivation
• Finally, all learning requires, to some extent, personal motivation.
Thus, in observational learning, an observer must be motivated to
produce the desired behavior.
• This motivation can be either intrinsic or extrinsic to the observer. In
the latter case, motivation comes in the form of rewards and
punishments.
• For example, the extrinsic motivation of someone seeking to climb the
corporate ladder could include the incentive of earning a high salary
and more autonomy at work .
• Example: A child is motivated to imitate their older sibling’s
skateboard tricks because they admire them and want to gain similar
skills.

9. Key concepts of observational learning theory
1.Imitation: Observational learning involves the process of imitating or
copying the actions of a model. People learn by observing and replicating
the behaviors they see in others. The observed model can be a real person,
a fictional character, or even symbolic representations such as media
figures or role models.
2.Modeling: Modeling refers to the demonstration of a behavior by a
model. Models can be individuals who are similar or influential to the
observer, and they provide examples for learning. Observers pay attention
to the model’s behavior and the consequences of that behavior.
3. Vicarious Reinforcement: In observational learning, reinforcement plays
a significant role. Observers are more likely to imitate a behavior if they see
the model being rewarded or reinforced for that behavior. Similarly, they
are less likely to imitate a behavior if they see the model being punished.
This process is called vicarious reinforcement, as the observer learns from
the consequences experienced by the model.

10. Key concepts of observational learning theory
4. Attention: Attention is a critical component of observational
learning. For learning to occur, observers must pay attention to the
model's behavior and the relevant features of the situation. Factors
that influence attention include the characteristics of the model (e.g.,
attractiveness, expertise), the salience of the behavior, and the
observer's level of motivation.
5. Retention: Observational learning involves storing information
about the observed behavior in memory. The observer must retain
the information to reproduce the behavior later. This retention can be
enhanced through rehearsal and practice.

11. Key concepts of observational learning theory
• Motor Reproduction: After attention and retention, the observer
must be capable of reproducing the behavior. This requires the
physical and cognitive ability to imitate the observed actions. The
observer may start with simpler actions and gradually develop
proficiency through practice.
• Motivation: Motivation plays a crucial role in observational learning.
Individuals are more likely to engage in imitative behavior if they are
motivated to do so. Motivation can stem from various factors,
including the expectation of rewards or positive outcomes associated
with the behavior, identification with the model, or the desire to fulfill
certain needs.

12. The Bobo Doll Experiment
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmBqwWlJg8U
• Bandura’s Bobo Doll experiment is one classic in the field of
observational learning. In all, this experiment showed that children
could and would mimic violent behaviors simply by observing others.
• In these experiments, Bandura (1985) and his researchers showed
children were shown a video where a model would act aggressively
toward an inflatable doll – hitting, punching, kicking, and verbally
assaulting the doll. There were three different endings:
1. The model was punished for their behavior
2. The model was rewarded for their behavior
3. There were no consequences
Researchers found that children
were more likely to mimic violent
behaviors when they observed the
model receiving a reward, or when no
consequences occurred. On the flip side
– children that observed the model
being punished for violence showed
less actual violence toward the doll.

13. Educational Implications
1. Modeling Behavior: Educators can serve as models for desired behaviors.
When teachers demonstrate positive behaviors, such as problem-solving or
effective communication, students are likely to imitate these behaviors in their
own interactions and learning processes.
2. Peer Learning: Students can learn from one another through observation. For
instance, when students observe their peers successfully completing a task or
project, they may feel encouraged to try similar strategies themselves,
fostering a collaborative learning environment.
3. Vicarious Reinforcement: Observational learning is influenced by the
outcomes of observed behaviors. If students see a peer rewarded for a
particular behavior (like asking questions), they may be more inclined to
engage in that behavior themselves, understanding its benefits.
4. Attention and Engagement: For effective observational learning to occur,
students must pay attention to the model. Educators can enhance engagement
by using dynamic teaching methods that capture students' interest, thereby
improving the likelihood of successful observational learning.

14. Educational Implications
5. Retention of Information: It is crucial for students to retain what they observe.
Teachers can reinforce retention by encouraging discussions or reflections on
observed behaviors and practices, helping students internalize what they have
learned.
6. Motivation to Learn: Motivation plays a vital role in whether students will
replicate observed behaviors. Educators can boost motivation by providing
positive feedback and creating an environment where students feel safe to
experiment and make mistakes
7. Cultural and Social Contexts: Observational learning is influenced by cultural
factors. Teachers should be aware of the diverse backgrounds of their students
and how these backgrounds affect their learning processes. Incorporating
culturally relevant examples can enhance the effectiveness of observational
learning.
8. Behavioral Expectations: By clearly demonstrating expected behaviors in various
situations (e.g., classroom conduct, teamwork), teachers can set clear standards
for students to observe and emulate, promoting a positive classroom culture.