Explain one study of the enculturation of one behavior

Question 1

Theory

Answer 1

Enculturation is the process by which individuals learn the cultural norms, values, and behaviors of their own society. According to Social Cognitive Theory, one way enculturation happens is through observational learning, where people acquire behaviors by watching and imitating others without direct instruction. Key factors include attention, retention, and motivation to learn from models within the community

Question 2

aim

Answer 2

Odden and Rochat aimed to study the role of observational learning, based on Social Cognitive Theory, in the enculturation of cultural behaviors in Samoan children.

Question 3

procedure

Answer 3

This was a longitudinal, naturalistic observational study conducted over 25 months with 28 children in a Samoan village. The researchers observed how children learned culturally important skills, particularly fishing, and their understanding of social norms such as the Chief system. In Samoan culture, adults take a non-interventionist approach, believing children learn by watching and interacting rather than being directly taught.

Question 4

results

Answer 4

The observations showed that although children were not formally taught to fish, they spent much time watching adults fish. By age 10, children started borrowing fishing equipment without supervision, and by age 12, most could fish competently. Additionally, a multiple-choice test revealed that children had learned core cultural values and social structures through overhearing and observing others, not formal instruction.

Question 5

link

Answer 5

This study clearly demonstrates enculturation by showing how cultural behaviors, such as fishing, are learned naturally through observation and participation within the cultural group. It highlights that enculturation involves social learning, where children absorb cultural knowledge by interacting with and observing members of their community rather than through formal teaching. Odden and Rochat’s findings reinforce the role of observational learning in enculturation, emphasizing that children internalize cultural values and skills by attentively watching and imitating models in their environment, which aligns with the key principles of Social Cognitive Theory.