THEORY NAME: Observational Learning / Instruction

THEORIST NAME: A. Bandura.

ASSOCIATED LEARNING THEORY / APPROACH

MODEL / DESCRIPTION
HISTORICAL CONTEXT

THEORY DESCRIPTION
Observational learning, also called social learning theory, occurs when an observer's behavior changes after viewing the behavior of a model. An observer's behavior can be affected by the positive or negative consequences--called vicarious reinforcement or vicarious punishment-- of a model's behavior.

MODEL

THEORY SPECIFICATIONS
DESIRED GOAL / OUTCOME

PRINCIPLES
The component processes underlying observational learning are:

1. Attention, including modeled events (distinctiveness, affective valence, complexity, prevalence, functional value) and observer characteristics (sensory capacities, arousal level, perceptual set, past reinforcement).

2. Retention, including symbolic coding, cognitive organization, symbolic rehearsal, motor rehearsal).

3. Motor Reproduction, including physical capabilities, self-observation of reproduction, accuracy of feedback.

4. Motivation, including external, vicarious and self reinforcement.

CONDITIONS OF LEARNING / APPLICATION

MEDIA DESCRIPTION

ROLE OF THE LEARNER
Students must get a chance to observe and model the behavior that leads to a positive reinforcement.

ROLE OF THE FACILITATOR
Educators must encourage collaborative learning, since much of learning happens within important social and environmental contexts.

INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES

ASSESSMENT METHODS
A learned behavior often cannot be performed unless there is the right environment for it. Educators must provide the incentive and the supportive environment for the behavior to happen. Otherwise, assessment may not be accurate.

RESEARCH AND APPLICATION
RESEARCH PROBLEM
RESEARCH QUESTION
CONTEXT TESTED
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
CONSTRUCTS / VARIABLES
RESEARCH DESCRIPTION
RESOURCES (APA Style Citation)
Bandura, A. (1986). Social foundations of thought and action: A social cognitive theory. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.