Steps in the modelling process

We don't learn a behaviour simply by observing a model. Alfred Bandura described specific steps in the process of modelling that must be followed if learning is to be successful: attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation.

First, you must be focused on what the model is doing—you have to pay attention. Next, you must be able to retain, or remember, what you observed. This is retention. Then, you must be able to perform the behaviour that you observed and commit it to memory. This is reproduction. Finally, you must have motivation. You need to want to copy the behaviour, and whether or not you are motivated depends on what happened to the model.

Vicarious reinforcement

If you saw that the model was reinforced for their behaviour, you will be more motivated to copy her. This is known as vicarious reinforcement. Alternatively, if you observed the model being punished, you would be less motivated to copy her. This is called vicarious punishment.

For example, imagine that four-year-old Allison watched her older sister Kaitlyn playing in their mother's makeup, and then saw Kaitlyn get a timeout when their mother came in. After their mother left the room, Allison was tempted to play in the make-up, but she did not want to get a time-out from her mother.

What do you think she did? Once you actually demonstrate the new behaviour, the reinforcement you receive plays a part in whether or not you will repeat the behaviour.

Bandura's Bobo doll experiment

Alfred Bandura researched modeling behaviour, particularly children's modeling of adults' aggressive and violent behaviours. He conducted an experiment with a five-foot inflatable doll that he called a Bobo doll.

In the experiment, children's aggressive behaviour was influenced by whether the model was punished for their behaviour. In one scenario, a model acted aggressively with the doll, hitting, throwing, and even punching the doll, while a child watched.

There were two types of responses by the children to the model's behaviour. When the model was punished for their bad behaviour, the children decreased their tendency to act as she had. When the model was praised or ignored (and not punished for her behaviour), the children imitated what she did, and even what she said. They punched, kicked, and yelled at the doll.

What are the implications of this study? Bandura concluded that we watch and learn, and that this learning can have both prosocial and antisocial effects.

For an example, consider watching on YouTube for a portion of the famous Bobo doll experiment, including an interview with Albert Bandura.Prosocial models and effects

Prosocial (positive) models can be used to encourage socially acceptable behaviour. If you want your children to read, then read to them. Let them see you reading. Keep books in your home. Talk about your favorite books. If you want your children to be healthy, then let them see you eat right and exercise, and spend time engaging in physical fitness activities together.

The same holds true for qualities like kindness, courtesy, and honesty. The main idea is that children observe and learn from their parents, even their parents' morals, because children tend to copy what you do instead of what you say.

Besides parents, many public figures, such as Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi, are viewed as prosocial models who are able to inspire global social change. Can you think of someone who has been a prosocial model in your life?

Antisocial models and effects

The antisocial effects of observational learning are also worth mentioning. Research suggests that this may help to explain why abused children often grow up to be abusers themselves. We tend to do what we know. Abused children, who grow up witnessing their parents deal with anger and frustration through violent and aggressive acts, often learn to behave in that manner themselves.