How does Observational Learning affect the Behavior of Students with Emotional or Behavioral Disorders? A Review of Research

An hypothesis supporting placement of students with emotional or behavioral disorders in regular classes and schools is that they will imitate the appropriate behavior of nondisabled peer models. We discuss findings of research on observational learning, including research regarding model characteristics and the observers' responses, vicarious reinforcement as implicit punishment, direction and duration of vicarious effects, vicarious effects on students with problem behavior, observers' other characteristics and vicarious effects, and aggression and vicarious processes. We conclude that placement in regular classes is not sufficient to ensure the imitation of appropriate peer models, that imitation of appropriate behavioral models is possible in special classes and schools, and that substantial changes in regular classes would be required to induce the desired imitation of non-disabled peers.