Introduction
Psychology is a vast field that covers human behavior, triggers, and how behavioral patterns are formed. For example, psychology can help explain why an individual has a specific habit or performs a particular activity. To delve deeper, social learning theory and observational learning can explain such phenomena. Psychological theories effectively explain how positive reinforcement might be required and how humans learn behavior patterns through modeling.
Learning Theories
Observational Learning
First, it is necessary to start with observational learning and its core concepts. Observational learning is “learning by watching the behavior of others” (Feist, 2021, p.330). It encompasses a four-step process that necessitates attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation rather than simple, automatic imitation (Privitera et al., 2022). Therefore, it can be seen that in this kind of learning, the behavior of others is observed and then imitated. In this case, live instruction, films, television, and video games can serve as objects for learning.
Social Learning Theory
Moreover, social learning theory can help deepen insights concerning human conduct. Social learning theory is “a description of the kind of learning that occurs when we model or imitate the behavior of others” (Feist, 2021, p.332).
Reinforcement
Reinforcement is another way social learning functions, and here operant conditioning demonstrates how the results of human actions affect whether they repeat those actions (Feist, 2021). In other words, learning is most efficient when individuals are incentivized, which necessitates a reward system. Therefore, observation, in combination with analysis of consequences, sets the foundation for learning.
Conclusion
Hence, psychological theory well explains the use of positive reinforcement and how people learn new behaviors through imitation. Studying other people’s behavior is known as observational learning. It involves a four-step process that demands motivation, retention, reproduction, and attention rather than straightforward automatic imitation. Theoretically, when people copy or model other people’s conduct, they are learning. This type of learning is called social learning and can also be facilitated by reinforcement.
References
Feist, G. J. (2021). Psychology: Perspectives and connections (5th ed.). McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
Privitera, G. J., Clayton, K. D., & Kassin, S. (2022). Essentials of psychology. SAGE Publications.