B.24 Identify and distinguish between imitation and observational learning

Two key processes come into play when we talk about how children learn from others: imitation and observational learning. Children and adults pick up new skills in both ways, but they are different in important ways. Let’s break it down!

Imitation Imitation happens when someone directly copies another person’s behavior right after they see it. This is often how we teach specific actions or skills. 🔑 Key Features of Imitation It involves copying a model’s behavior. The copied behavior looks similar to the original behavior. It happens shortly after the model demonstrates the behavior. The model (person demonstrating) is the main reason the behavior occurs. Ejemplos A parent holds up a toy cow and says, “Moo!” The child responds, “Moo!” A coach demonstrates a soccer kick, and the player mimics it immediately.

Observational Learning Observational learning goes beyond simply copying—it involves watching what happens to others and using that information to decide whether to copy the behavior. This kind of learning helps people make choices based on what they see. 🔑 Key Features of Imitation Observar el comportamiento de otra persona y lo que sucede después (las consecuencias). Decidir imitar —o no— según lo que se observó. Aprender sin necesidad de instrucción directa ni acción inmediata. Ejemplos A child sees their sibling get hurt while climbing on a chair and decides not to climb on the chair. You notice the car ahead of you get pulled over for speeding, so you slow down. A student watches a classmate raise their hand to ask a question and receive praise, so they start raising their hand too.

How Are They Different?

• Imitation is about copying a behavior right after you see it.

• Observational Learning is learning by watching and deciding whether to act based on what you observed.