The Process of Observational Learning

Bandura analyzed the nature of observational learning and found four governing mechanisms: (A) the attentional process, where we develop our cognitive processes enough to imitate displayed behavior, (B) the retention process where we remember or repeat the behavior at a late time, (C) the production process which translates the mental images or verbal meanings of the model’s behavior into our own behaviors, and (D) the incentive and motivational processes where we perceive that the model’s behavior leads to a reward, so therefore we also will get a reward when we successfully learn the modeled behavior.

Attentional Processes
According to Bandura, observational learning will not occur unless the subject pays attention to the model. The more closely we pay attention to a model’s behavior, the more likely we are to imitate it. Attention to modeling behavior varies as a function of the observer’s cognitive and perceptual skills and the value of the behavior being modeled. The more highly developed are our cognitive abilities and the more knowledge we have about the behavior being modeled, the more carefully we will attend to the model and perceive their behavior.

Retention Processes
We retain information about a model’s behavior in two ways: through an imaginal internal representational system or through a verbal system. We summon up a vivid picture from our past or someone says a few words and we verbally understand past information very clearly.

Production Processes
Translating imaginal and verbal symbolic representations into over behavior requires the production processes, described more simply as practice. Practice of these repeated performances and feedback on their accuracy, is needed to produce the smooth performance of behavior.

Incentive and Motivational Processes
When incentives are available, observation is more quickly translated into action. Incentives also influence the attentional and retention processes. Our incentive to learn is influenced by our anticipation of the reinforcement or punishment for doing so. Reinforcement can assist in modeling but is not vital to it. When reinforcement occurs, it can be given by another person, experienced vicariously, or administered by oneself.