Observational learning is a process where individuals learn by watching others. This type of learning occurs without direct experience or reinforcement, allowing people to acquire new behaviors, skills, or knowledge simply by observing the actions of others. It is a key concept in psychology, particularly in the work of Albert Bandura, who demonstrated its effectiveness through experiments like the Bobo doll study.
In observational learning, attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation are essential components. First, a learner must pay attention to the model's behavior. Then, they must remember what they observed, reproduce the behavior, and feel motivated to apply it in their own lives. This learning method is common in everyday situations, such as children imitating their parents or peers.