Observational Learning Method - Doc

Running head: PSYCHOLOGY
Psychology
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

PSYCHOLOGY
1
The learning theory chosen for this assignment is the observational theory. This paper
aims to focus on the behavioural changes of my niece and the possible ways to improve them
with the context of behavioural learning theory.
Observational learning method consists of observation and modelling of others
attitudes, behaviours and emotional expressions. It is an important area in the context of
psychology which deals with the analysis of the behaviours in the platform of observational
learning. To summarize, observational learning occurs by the observation of the behaviours
of the others. This method of learning includes various forms and procedures of actions by
the surrounding social model. According to the American Psychologist Albert Bandura, in the
context of observational learning, individual tend to gain knowledge or learn from the
behaviours of the others rather than imitating them (Olson, 2015). The theory of
observational learning is one of the essential components of the theory of Bandura’s social
learning. The four major steps that are outlined for the observational learning procedure
includes Attention, Retention, Reproduction, and Motivation.
Step 1: Attention- While initiating the learning procedure it is important for any individual to
pay attention to the behaviour of the other person. The characteristics of the learning model
have a deep effect on the attention of the observer (Ledford & Wolery, 2015). Furthermore, it
has also been found that humans tend to pay more attention to the nature or the characteristics
of a model that is prestigious, attractive or similar to their behaviours.
Step 2: Retention- The second step of the observational learning procedure is the ability to
remember the witnessed behaviour. Retention of the nature of behaviour from others is
important to imitate or follow in case of followers or observers.
Step 3: Reproduction- This step of learning involves the mental and physical ability of the
observers to copy the nature he or she has observed in the previous stage.