Observational Learning

Observational learning entails the acquisition of new knowledge and behaviour as a result of observing and processing the outcome of another’s behaviour. The observation of behaviour leads to information about the situation, and about the consequences of the observed actions. Observational learning has also been referred to as modelling, copying, imitation, and vicarious learning. Some of the key ideas of observational learning include: Albert Bandura and social learning theory, the four dimensions of observational learning, observational learning and animal research, and neuroscientific findings. Observational learning in action can be seen in education, psychology, motor learning, business, and spirituality.