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Observational Learning

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Albert Bandura's observational learning, also known as imitation or modeling, occurs when a person observes and imitates another's behavior. It is a quicker process than operant conditioning. A well-known example is the Bobo doll study, where children who saw an adult acting aggressively towards the doll were more likely to act aggressively when left alone, compared to those who observed a nonaggressive adult. Many psychologists view observational learning as a form of latent learning because...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 20, 2026

Assessment of Social Cognition in Non-human Primates Using a Network of Computerized Automated Learning Device (ALDM) Test Systems

Assessment of Social Cognition in Non-human Primates Using a Network of Computerized Automated Learning Device (ALDM) Test Systems

Published on: May 5, 2015

Vicarious learning from human models in monkeys.

Rossella Falcone¹, Emiliano Brunamonti, Aldo Genovesio

¹Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.

|July 7, 2012

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Monkeys demonstrate vicarious learning by observing human models. This study shows monkeys can learn object-reward associations by watching humans, indicating observational learning capabilities.

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Last Updated: May 20, 2026

Assessment of Social Cognition in Non-human Primates Using a Network of Computerized Automated Learning Device (ALDM) Test Systems

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Published on: May 5, 2015

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Published on: August 1, 2018

Dissecting the Non-human Primate Brain in Stereotaxic Space

Dissecting the Non-human Primate Brain in Stereotaxic Space

Published on: July 16, 2009

Area of Science:

* Primate cognition and behavior
* Comparative psychology
* Social learning mechanisms

Background:

* Vicarious learning, or learning through observation, is well-documented in humans and some species.
* The extent of vicarious learning in non-human primates, particularly from human models, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

* To investigate whether monkeys can acquire object-reward associations by observing human actions.
* To determine if monkeys exhibit vicarious learning from human demonstrations.

Main Methods:

* Two monkeys observed a human model interact with over 30 object-choice learning problems.
* The human model demonstrated which object concealed a food reward (apple).
* Monkeys' learning was assessed through their choices in a subsequent test phase.

Main Results:

* Monkeys successfully learned the object-reward associations demonstrated by the human model.
* Evidence of learning was observed from the very first trial of the test phase.
* Monkeys' performance indicated rapid acquisition of information through observation.

Conclusions:

* Monkeys possess the capacity for vicarious learning from human models.
* Observational learning plays a significant role in how monkeys acquire new information.
* This finding contributes to our understanding of social cognition in primates.