Overview
This lecture explores the evolution of learning theories in psychology, emphasizing Bandura’s social-cognitive approach and the importance of observational learning alongside traditional conditioning.
Bandura’s Bobo Doll Experiment
- In 1961, Albert Bandura demonstrated that children imitate aggressive behavior observed in adults.
- Children who saw adults attack a Bobo doll were more likely to act aggressively toward it.
- Kids exposed to non-aggressive or neutral models did not show similar aggression.
- Bandura’s findings challenged the idea that all learning is based only on conditioning.
Classical and Operant Conditioning Recap
- Classical conditioning involves associating a stimulus with an involuntary response (e.g., Pavlov’s dogs salivating at a bell).
- Operant conditioning links a voluntary behavior with a consequence (e.g., rats pressing a lever for food).
Biological Limits on Learning
- Species are predisposed to form certain associations more easily (e.g., humans are more taste averse; birds are more sight averse).
- It’s easier to teach animals new behaviors that are similar to their natural actions.
Cognitive and Social-Cognitive Learning
- Learning involves cognition: thoughts, expectations, and mental processes matter.
- Social context influences learning outcomes, sometimes more than direct rewards/punishments.
- People can form cognitive maps—mental layouts of environments—through latent learning, even without rewards.
Observational Learning and Modeling
- Observational learning is acquiring new behaviors by watching others, also called modeling.
- Many animals and all humans learn extensively this way, including social behaviors and trends.
- Bandura’s work formalized scientific study of modeling and imitation.
Mirror Neurons and the Brain
- Mirror neurons fire both when taking an action and when seeing someone else do it.
- These neurons help explain how observation leads to imitation and learning.
- The brain’s reward centers can activate vicariously through observed experiences.
Importance of Role Models
- Early exposure to positive or negative models strongly shapes later behaviors and attitudes.
- Parental and social figures serve as powerful behavioral models for children.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Classical Conditioning — Learning by associating a neutral stimulus with an involuntary response.
- Operant Conditioning — Learning by associating a behavior with a consequence.
- Observational Learning (Modeling) — Learning by watching and imitating others’ behaviors.
- Cognitive Maps — Mental representations of physical locations or environments.
- Latent Learning — Learning that occurs without immediate reinforcement and is not demonstrated until needed.
- Mirror Neurons — Brain cells that activate both during action and observation of the same action.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review differences between classical/operant conditioning, cognitive, and observational learning.
- Reflect on personal role models and how they may have shaped behaviors or attitudes.