Problem 6 - An Introduction to Theories of Personality

Question

Give an example to illustrate each of the following: (a) Observational learning is necessary because Skinnerian trial-and-error learning would be too dangerous. (b) Observational learning in the classroom. (c) Observational learning in sports. (d) How observational learning in our society leads to more violent behavior.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The necessity of observational learning is evident in a science lab where incorrect experiment procedures can lead to dangerous outcomes. In the classroom, a student learns to solve complex problems by observing the teacher. In sports, techniques of professional athletes are observed and imitated by trainees to improve their performance. On the downside, observational learning can lead to increased violent behavior in society, as children may imitate violent acts they observe in media.

Step 1: Observational Learning Necessity

Provide an example to highlight how trial-and-error learning can be dangerous and thus, observational learning becomes necessary. For instance, consider a science lab where a student is supposed to carry out an experiment involving the interaction of two chemicals. Doing it wrong could lead to harmful consequences - perhaps an explosion. Here, observational learning becomes necessary as the student can observe how the teacher or a fellow student correctly carries out the experiment, instead of engaging in potentially dangerous trial-and-error learning.

Step 2: Observational Learning in Classroom

Elaborate on an example of observational learning in a classroom. For example, a student observes a teacher solving a complex mathematics problem on the board. By observing the teacher, the student learns how to solve similar problems.

Step 3: Observational Learning in Sports

Present an example where observational learning is used in sports. A good example is how a technique used by a professional athlete can be observed and imitated by a trainee or a fellow athlete in order to improve their performance in the sport. The trainee watches how the professional athlete performs the movement, observes the details, and then tries to replicate it.

Step 4: Observational Learning Leading to Violent Behavior

Explain how observational learning can lead to increased violent behavior in society. As an example, if a child frequently watches violent shows on television, they might learn and replicate such behaviors, thinking it is an acceptable way to resolve conflicts.