Observational learning

Question 1

observational learning def

Answer 1

occurs when an organisms responding is influenced by the observation of other behaviour (models )

Question 2

anecdotal evidence for observational learning

Answer 2

there is a variety of anecdotal evidence that social learning and mimicry take place eg:
- english titmouse
- parrots mimicry of speech
- “monkey see, monkey do”
- children

Question 3

evolutionary rationale for observational learning

Answer 3

as a mechanism for acquiring adaptive behaviours, it compares favourable with other learning mechanisms
- speed of acquisition quicker than trial and error learning
- generally advantageous, or at least harmless to copy others rather than be innovative

Question 4

local enhancement

Answer 4

–> where an individuals attention is drawn to a specific location bc another individual is acting there = increased likelidhood that the observer will interact with that location too
EG:
does the sight of food generate food gathering procedure

Question 6

key processes of observational learning

Answer 6

1. attention
   - extent to which we focus on others behaviour
2. retention
   - retaining a representation of others behaviour
3. production
   - ability to actually perform actions we observe
4. motivation
   - need to perform actions we witness (usefulness)

Question 7

how do we select models

Answer 7

1. models similarity to the observer. more likely to imitate someone who shares attributes, talents or deficiencies with themselves
2. models competence. people who accomplish things of functional value are most likely to be good models (but not too competent)
3. models prestige. “high ranked”, “group leaders” are more likely to be modelled
4. observers previous experience with model. past failures/success at imitating model
5. multiple models. several models typically exert more influence than a single one