Question
The theory that emphasizes imitation or observational learning is called :
The correct answer is
Social learning theory
Understanding Observational Learning Theory
The question asks to identify the theory that specifically emphasizes learning through imitation and observation of others.
Key Concepts in Learning Theories
- Observational Learning: This involves learning actions by watching others, known as 'models'.
- Imitation: A core component of observational learning, where an individual replicates the observed behavior.
Social Learning Theory Explained
Social learning theory, primarily developed by Albert Bandura, posits that people can learn new behaviors by observing others. This theory directly incorporates the concepts of imitation and observation as fundamental mechanisms for learning.
- Bandura emphasized that learning occurs within a social context through observation, imitation, and modeling.
- Individuals learn by watching the actions of others (models) and the consequences of those actions (vicarious reinforcement).
- This perspective bridges the gap between behaviorist and cognitive theories by acknowledging both environmental influences and cognitive processes.
Distinguishing From Other Theories
While other theories touch upon social aspects, they differ in their primary focus:
- Psychosocial theory (Erik Erikson) focuses on social development stages across the lifespan and identity formation.
- Psychosexual theory (Sigmund Freud) centers on childhood sexual development stages.
- Sociocultural theory (Lev Vygotsky) emphasizes the role of social interaction and culture in cognitive development, but 'Social learning theory' is the specific term for the emphasis on imitation and observation.
Therefore, the theory that most accurately fits the description of emphasizing imitation or observational learning is Social learning theory.
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Important Questions from Learning Theories and Instructional Strategies - Teaching
- Which of the following are correctly paired ?
(1) The Garcia Effect-Conditioned taste aversion
(2) Operant Conditioning-Elicited behaviour
(3) Classical Conditioning- emitted behaviour
(4) Shaping-Teaching animals new behaviour - The operant conditioning theory of Learning was proposed by
- Which of the following best illustrates the relationship between learning theories and instructional strategies for a large group in a formal setting?
- Match the items of List - I with the items of List - II. Select the correct response from the answer codes given below :Codes :
List - I List - II (a) Latent learning (i) Learning a response to terminate an aversive stimulus. (b) Cognitive learning (ii) Occurrence of learning is not evident in behaviour until later. (c) Escape learning (iii) A change in the way of processing informations as a result of experiences. (d) Avoidance learning (iv) Learning a response to avoid an aversive stimulus - Arrange the following stages of acquisition of skills as given by Seymour :
I. Learning the sequence of activities.
II. Using information more efficiently.
III. Structuring sensory-motor patterns.
IV. Determining the sensory channel for each item of activity.
V. Attaining the right set in the sensory channel.
VI. Diminishing conscious attention.
Codes :
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