Question

Describe, using real life examples, observational learning.

Answer 1

In simple language, observational learning occurs by observing the behaviour of others. It is a part of a social learning and happens through various processes and stages.

Observational learning generally happens in the earlier stages of life (although it is not limited to only the infant stage).

Some real life examples include:

1. a child learning to walk
2. a child learning to make facial expressions
3. after noticing an older sibling getting scolded for taking cake without asking, the younger child will not repeat the same mistake.
4. learning how to play a game by observing others
5. a child learning table manners
6. an inexperienced sales worker becomes efficent in sales after observing the tactics and methods used by peers or higher authorities.
7. learning how to swing a cricket bat by merely observing a cricket match
8. a student learns not to cheat when he/she watches others being caught for cheating.

These were the positive effects of observational learning. But observational learning may also have negative effects. This may be because:

1. Undesirable models may reinforce behaviour: eg: A study has found out that children who watched a lot of television were almost 49 percent more likely to become violent criminals.
2. Evidence of learning is not always visible
3. Observational learning requires motivation