Observational Learning Theory

The definition of observational learning is learning that occurs through observing the behavior of others. This is a form of social learning which takes various forms. A great example would be a child might learn to use profanity, hit, drink, and find other inappropriate behavior that is acceptable through poor modeling. Models are parents, coaches, and teachers that are held in higher regard to the observer. Observational learning is a big part of culture, sports, and our everyday lives. It is important to know how observational learning was first studied to see how important it truly is to society.
An experiment in 1961 changed the landscaping for observational learning. Albert Bandura conducted Bodo Doll experiment in 1961 that made us
The theory stated that there are four stages involved in the observational learning theory. Attention, retention, initiation, and motivation are the four stages. Attention is where the observer cannot learn unless they are fully paying attention to what is happening around them. Retention is where the observer must not only recognize the participant’s behavior but also remember it at a later time. This process depends on the observer's ability to filter the information during a later date. Initiation is where the observer must be physically capable of performing the act they are observing. A great example would be if the observer was a soccer player, and he was observing a basketball player dribble. The soccer player probably would not be able to dribble a basketball just from observing. Motivation is recognizing the importance of motivation to learn. Motivation is key to actually learning the task at hand. A person must have the urge to learn before they will actually be capable of doing
Kobe Bryant is one of basketball all-time greats in the game of basketball. He has admitted that observing some of the all time greats has helped him achieve greatness. He was quoted saying, “I seriously have stolen all my moves from watching the greatest players.” He then went even farther and talked about his observational learning from when he was a child. Kobe stated, "My father told me watch this. See this guy? This is how you can make use of your left hand.” Kobe Bryant is not the only athlete to use observational learning. I myself have used observational learning in sports. While playing baseball in college a couple times a week I watched a video of my swing beside professional player’s swings. I observed weight transfer, bat path, and hands. In doing so I was able to use those models and incorporate them into my own swing. I had the motivation, attention, initiation, and retention. I had all the necessary stages I needed to improve