Theory of learning by observation what is and examples

The action of imitating the gestures of others is a fundamental act of personal growth and in the evolution of the species because it offers clear advantages or in terms of time and energies. In addition, through imitation the meaning of the context and the results of the actions carried out by whom it is observed is learned. In this psychology-online article we will talk about the concept of learning for observation and imitation and the main authors. Next we will deepen together about What is the theory of observation learning, and some examples To understand it better.

1. What is observation learning in psychology
2. Bandura observation learning theory
3. Observation learning processes
4. Types of observation learning
5. Examples of observation learning

What is observation learning in psychology

By learning by observation or imitation the conscious and intentional reproduction of a behavior of the novice To achieve the same objective that the expert persecutes. As such, imitation requires the ability to understand the objective (intention) that the expert intends to achieve, to understand its mental plan distinguishing between the actions that serve as media and those that constitute the objective, as well as repeat the sequence of actions of the expert to achieve the objective pursued by this. Consequently, observation learning consists in reproducing what the expert wants to do (and not simply what he does). Imitation implies two closely related cognitive processes:

1. The capacity of make meaning to the actions of others.
2. The capacity of reproduce your actions.

Imitation is therefore based on the mental attitude of "treating others as themselves"; Consequently, any imitative activity implies a greater understanding of the mental functioning of itself and others based on a "self-" analogy "system. In imitation we learn not only from others, but above all with and through others.

In the human species Observation learning is effective and already structured around nine months, concomitantly with the appearance of intentionality and the understanding of others as intentional agents (it is the so -called "nine -month turn").

Bandura observation learning theory

Albert Bandura is one of the first to highlight that learning does not exclusively imply the individual's direct response to the stimuli received from abroad, but also activates through indirect experiences, developed through the observation of other individuals. Indeed, learning is activated even when The behavior of an individual is modified based on the behavior of another individual, which assumes the model function (Modeling). The individual, that is, learns not because it is directly related to the outside, but because Look and then imitate another individual acting as a role -. The experiment of children who learn aggressive behaviors in the presence of violent adults is considered the classic example in this regard.

Social learning through the imitation and reproduction of role models present in the context is also called vicarious learning. Here we explain in detail Bandura's social learning.

¿What are the characteristics of observation learning? Studies show that this Vicar learning It is favored by some conditions:

• The similarity of the benefits and the similarity of the personal characteristics between the observer and the model.
• The multiplicity and variety of the models.
• The competence of the model.
• The ID Between model and model.

Observation learning processes

Observational learning implies a series of stages, each of which implies different processes:

1. Attention process, that is, focus, pay attention, put something in the center of your perceptual field.
2. Representative process, that is, once the behavior of the model is registered, the individual interprets it in the light of his knowledge and memorizes the most important aspects, which, where appropriate, may reproduce.
3. Reproduction process, that is, the motor reproduction of the behavior observed and stored in the two previous phases.
4. Motivation process, It is activated by the advantages that the individual expects to have imitating the model and that may consist of external reinforcements, self-repaires or vicariant reinforcements.

Types of observation learning

There are five possible results of observation learning:

1. Direct attention. By observing others, we not only learn acts, but we also observe objects related to acts.
2. Stimulate existing behaviors. This type of learning by observation represents that the fact of observing the behavior of others indicates which of the behaviors we have already learned we must use.
3. Change inhibitions. If the members of a class observe that a student breaks a rule and goes out with his, they would learn that the transgression of rules does not always bring undesirable consequences (wave effect)
4. Teach new behaviors and attitudes. When applied in a reflected way, modeling constitutes an effective and efficient means to teach new behaviors.
5. Awaken emotions. Using observation learning individuals develop emotional reactions to situations that have never experienced in a pesonal way, such as flying or driving.

Examples of observation learning

In a famous experiment, Bandura illustrates the power of social conditioning through an experiment with children. In it experiment There are three groups of preschool age:

1. In the first group, together with the children, there is an adult who behaves aggressively against an inflatable doll, called a fool, and hits him screaming.
2. In the second group, there is always an adult who plays with wood constructions, without expressing any type of aggressive behavior against fool.
3. In the third group, there are only children who play freely.

Next, children are taken to a room where neutral games (plush, truck models) and aggressive games (rifles, fool, a ball with a painted face tied to a rope) are available). It follows that Children who had observed the adult hitting Bobo show a greater incidence of aggressive behaviors, so much regarding those who had had an adult as a non -aggressive model, and with respect to those who had played alone.

Therefore, all those behaviors that are performed repeatedly by adults while children can observe them can be observed in the classroom. For example, leave the jacket on your hanger, say hello and goodbye, collect the table ..

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