Choose one step in the memory process, encoding, storage: Observational Learning - Coursework Example

Observational learning Observational learning was first introduced by Albert Bandura. It is based on the learning processes which are induced by interaction with behavioral and environmental factors. Bandura demonstrated by use of experiments that learning can be achieved by observing other people do something without necessarily engaging in the performance of the behavior directly. Observational learning can be illustrated on a daily basis as leaners witness the performance of activities, events, sports and other classroom engagements.

For effective observational behavior to take place, basic component processes should be in place to ensure that the learnt behavior is not forgotten. They are; Attention; to effectively learn a behavior by observing it, the learner must have interest in the activity or something that he notices in the environment. The things to be learnt must be perceived by the learner as distinctive, have adequate prevalence, functional value and possess affective valence. For example, a student who loves music constantly watches as the piano is played.

Retention; occurs when a learner is able to remember what had been noticed from the performance witnessed. As in the example before, a student who has been watching a piano being played remembers the tunes and how the piano was being played. Reproduction; happens when a leaner is able to produce the observed behavior exactly as it was noticed without rehearsals. In this case, a student who has been watching a piano being played produced perfect tunes without practice or rehearsals. Motivation; a learner is motivated when a reproduced behavior attracts a consequence which determines the probability that such a behavior will be repeated in the future.

For instance, when a learner plays the piano and is applauded, chances of repeating the behavior are high.I learnt to play volleyball through observational behavior. As I watched the game, I was very interested in the game but was not courageous enough to compete with the professional players. I kept watching the ball until one day when I was left alone in the pitch and decided to score the ball. To my surprise, I scored the ball every time I tried. This earned me a chance to the school team.

ReferencesAlvero A.M, Austin J. (2004). The effects of conducting behavioral observations on the behavior of the observer, Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis. 2004; 37:457–468.Bandura, A. (1965), Influence of models’ reinforcement contingencies on the acquisition of imitative response. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 1, 589-595. Bandura, A. (1977). Social learning theory. New York: General Learning Press.ReferencesForsterLee, L., Kent, L., & Horowitz, I. A. (2005). The cognitive effects of jury aids on decision-making in complex civil litigation.

Applied Cognitive Psychology, 19, 867-884.Goldstein, B. (2011). Cognitive Psychology: Connecting Mind, Research, and Everyday Experience-with coglab manual. (3rd ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.Alvero A.M, Austin J. (2004). The effects of conducting behavioral observations on the behavior of the observer, Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis. 2004; 37:457–468.