Wize University Psychology Textbook > Learning
Observational Learning
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Observational Learning
Observational learning involves learning by observing the consequences of behaviours exhibited by other individuals, called models.
Observational learning was identified in Albert Bandura's Bobo doll experiments. In these experiments children were allowed to play with a large inflatable doll, called a Bobo doll.
Children who watched a video of adults behaving aggressively toward the doll mimicked and the aggressive behaviour of the adults that they had observed in the video, even though the doll did not naturally elicit aggression.
In primates, specialized neurons called mirror neurons become activated in the brain of an individual when he or she observes another individual performing a particular action. These are thought to play a role in observational learning.
Practice: Observational Learning
Raj is four years old. His mom treats his preschool teacher with disdain. What is likely to happen to Raj's behaviour?