FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What concept describes the process of learning through observation and modeling, according to Albert Bandura?

1. Direct reinforcement of behaviors

2. Learning through memorization

3. Observational learning

4. Interactive participation

The correct answer is: Observational learning

The concept that describes the process of learning through observation and modeling, according to Albert Bandura, is termed observational learning. This theory emphasizes that individuals can learn new behaviors and attitudes by watching others, rather than through direct experience or reinforcement. Bandura's research demonstrated that people—particularly children—tend to imitate the actions of role models, showing that behavior can be acquired by observing someone else's interactions with their environment. Observational learning also involves several key processes, including attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation. For example, an observer must first pay attention to the model, remember the behavior, have the ability to reproduce it, and be motivated to perform the observed behavior. This phenomenon is critical in educational settings, as it highlights the importance of role models in teaching and the impact that visual learning and social interactions have on behavior acquisition. Other choices might suggest different learning concepts, such as reinforcement or memorization, but they do not encompass the comprehensive idea of learning as a result of observation and imitation that Bandura’s theory presents.