Observational modeling is a core concept in social learning theory, which posits that people can learn new behaviors and attitudes by simply observing others. This process, as described by psychologist Albert Bandura, isn't just about mimicry, it involves a series of cognitive and behavioral steps that determine whether an observed behavior will be learned and performed. This in return assists self ctegorization and helps develop self identity. The common observation like 'father fixedness' maybe explained by this hypothesis. If appropriately understood and applied to cultural family practices , 'inculcation by demonstration' can become a powerful tool. At the same time it explains the persistence of vice among the educated citizen due to the overarching power of childhood observational learning and adaptation as survival technique inspite of evidence to the contrary.
The four processes of observational learning.
Observational learning is not an automatic process. According to Bandura, four distinct cognitive processes must occur for a person to successfully learn a new behavior through observation.
Attention
The first and most crucial step is attention. You can't learn what you don't notice. The observer must focus on the model's behavior and the consequences of that behavior. Several factors can influence a person's attention, including the characteristics of the model (e.g., their status, attractiveness, or similarity to the observer) and the nature of the behavior itself (e.g., how novel or complex it is). Thus too many instructions , multiple advisors are received by progressive deafening of cognition for the perceiver.
Retention
Next, the observer must be able to retain or remember the observed behavior. This involves mentally coding the information, often by creating a mental image or verbal description of the action. The better a person can store this information in their memory, the more likely they are to be able to recall and use it later. Rapid sequence of instruction is seldom retained except when a child treads on familier space. New education should slow and reinforcing and yet prevent boredom. 6 to 12 hrly soft reminders usually appears to be effective. Similarly, association with familier and likable thoughts help better retention.
Reproduction
This step is about translating the mental representation of the behavior into physical action. Reproduction requires the observer to have the necessary physical and mental capabilities to perform the behavior. For example, a child may observe a basketball player dunking a ball, but they may lack the physical ability to reproduce the action themselves. Often early efforts of reproduction is associated with failures or dejection. Prior preparation in anticipation helps preserve enthusiasm. Reproduction is also closely connected to the concept of adherence both in effort and attention. One with out the other produces suboptimal results. Thus parents should refrain from being impressed at the ability to rote alone and encourage variations in presentation.
Motivation
The final step is motivation. Even if a person pays attention, remembers, and is physically able to perform a behavior, they won't do it unless they have a reason to. Motivation is often driven by the anticipated consequences of the behavior, a process known as vicarious reinforcement. If the model is rewarded for their behavior, the observer is more likely to be motivated to imitate it. Conversely, if the model is punished, the observer is less likely to reproduce the behavior. At the same time, frequent rewards is often subjected to depletion of spontaneous motivation and suffers from escalating demand for rewards or attention.
These observations have great practical applications. Observational learning is important for the developing child to the educational motivated person. For children it is important in multiple sectors - from personality development to frustration tolerance. The unpredictibility of life processes brings many challenges which maybe beyound anticipation. In such time the one who has the highest observational exposure fares best. Self categorization is the only path to continued self honor when developed by self observation of reality instead of lofty ideals set by others.
Pratyush Chaudhuri
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