Observational learning
a type of social learning that occurs when a learner observes a model’s actions and their consequences to guide their future actions
Social-cognitive approach
when individuals process, remember and learn information in social contexts to explain and predict their behaviour and that of others
stages of observational learning (All Red Rats Move Rapidly)
Attention, Retention, Reproduction, Motivation, Reinforcement
Attention
the first step in observational learning, when the learner actively watches the model’s behaviour and the consequences
Retention
the second stage in observational learning, when the learner stores (retains) a mental representation of the model’s behaviour
Reproduction
the third stage in observational learning, when the learner’s physical and mental capabilities enable them to perform the model’s behaviour
Motivation
in observational learning, the learner’s desire to perform the model’s behaviour
Reinforcement
receiving a reward or desirable factor that increases the likelihood that the learner will reproduce the behaviour in future