Observational learning happens indirectly, meaning that there is no formal process

for teaching or learning with this method. People simply learn by watching others and
mimicking or learning from what they see. Here are some of the key benefits of
observational learning:

 Learning new skills: Children and adults can learn new skills through
observational learning. A child can learn how to paint her nails by watching
their mom, or an adult may learn to lift weights by watching others on videos.
 Reinforcing positive behavior: Some people can learn positive behavior by
observing others. If a student sees a friend of theirs being rewarded with candy
for their good grades in school, the student may work harder to model similar
behavior so that they can receive candy in the future.
 Decreasing negative behavior: Observational learning can also decrease
negative behavior in people. If an adult watches their colleague frequently
coming into work late and notices that they eventually get reprimanded by their
supervisor, the observer is less likely to copy the actions of their coworker.

Observational learning, also known as Social Learning Theory, describes the process that
occurs when the learner sees a behavior demonstrated by a role model as well as the
consequence of the same behavior. Parents and older family members often serve as role
models just as television and video game characters do as well. There are clear disadvantages
to this kind of learning. Although Observational Learning occurs naturally in social settings, not
all outcomes related to it are advantageous.

While observational learning is effective in teaching positive new behaviors, it may also
encourage the adoption of previously forbidden behavior. During the 90s psychologists made a
startling statement based on Albert Bandura’s theories that children learned to behave
aggressively after witnessing violent acts performed by adults or older children, specifically
family members. For example, children who witness a parent’s abusive behavior are at a
higher risk of becoming abusive themselves.

In many cases, television is a source of behavior modeling. Many forms of both adult and child
entertainment involve some type of behavior and portray this as socially acceptable and even
desirable. This type of exposure has been shown to precipitate aggressive behavior in those
who observe it regularly. For example, one study stated that homicide rates increased after
media events like televised heavyweight championships. A second study found that children
who watched a higher than average amount of television were almost 49 percent more likely to
become violent criminals.

Albert Bandura pioneered the study of observational learning. During the 20th century, he refined
a description of the learning process, which required learners to observe certain behaviors,
remember the action, and have the opportunity to model the behavior. However, recent experts
argue that learning occurs after observation of certain behaviors and their consequences despite
the fact that learners may not physically repeat the same behavior for some time.

4Observational Learning Requires Motivation

Learners are more motivated to repeat behaviors they enjoy and are capable of performing
successfully. Observational Learning Theory lacks consideration of other important factors in
learning. The Social Learning Theory generally ignores an individual’s physical and psychological
limitations. Inherited conditions may affect how learners react to an act, as well as their ability to
retain and repeat certain behaviors.