Define and explain observational learning. Psychology Essay

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Observation Learning
Observation learning is a method of watching others' actions, behaviors, emotional reactions then absorbing their actions and later modeling them. This type of learning should not be confused with pure imitation of another's behavior. A person simply watches the behavior of others and later incorporates certain aspects into their behavior (Fryling, Johnston and Hayes 193). For observational learning to be achieved certain conditions must be satisfied. First, a person must pay attention to the model and observe their actions. Second, a person must remember the behavior observed. Third, a person must have the capacity to replicate the behavior seen. Lastly, to fully imitate the behavior, one has to be motivated. If a person is not motivated, then there will be no interest in observing. The social model could be a teacher, friend, sibling, or parents. Observational learning was discovered in the 1980s by psychologist Albert Bandura (Fryling, Johnston and Hayes 196). The following are examples of observation learning.
In my cousin’s sales firm, a new salesperson was introduced in the field. The young man was inexperienced and had significant challenges in making sales in the market. The man did not how to handle awkward responses in the field. The boss became aware of this situation and paired the man with an experienced partner. During this encounter, the inexperienced young man observed his partner's power of persuasion and handling of awkward responses. This observation helps the man learn some of the tricks and words to use in the field to convince buyers. Later, the man becomes adept at closing sales meetings.
As a child, observational learning helped me learn how to skate. I watched my siblings skate. I observed how they wore their skating boots. I observed their motion,...