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Learning Theory and Concepts

Observational Learning

Social and Sociocultural Learning Theories

Observational learning is learning that occurs through observing the behavior of others. It is a form of social learning that takes various forms depending on the underlying process, and unlike many other forms of learning it does not require reinforcement to occur, instead depending on a social model such as a parent, sibling, friend or teacher.

Facts
Core Claim
People can learn new behaviors, attitudes and information by observing others, without needing to receive reinforcement themselves. 1
Origin Year
1961 1
Marks Albert Bandura's identification of this form of learning, ahead of his more widely known Bobo doll experiments.
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Observational learning
Wikimedia Foundation
  • lead paragraph
    Observational learning is learning that occurs through observing the behavior of others. It is a form of social learning which takes various forms, based on various processes.
  • lead section, second paragraph
    Albert Bandura, who is known for the classic Bobo doll experiment, identified this basic form of learning in 1961.
  • Lead paragraph, education-level
    Observational learning is learning that occurs through observing the behavior of others.
  • In Group: Observational and Social Cognitive Learning, Lead
    Observational learning is learning that occurs through observing the behavior of others.
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