In observational learning, who is referred to as a model?

In observational learning, the model is defined as a person whose behavior is imitated. This concept stems from Albert Bandura's social learning theory, which posits that individuals can learn new behaviors by observing others. When someone observes a model engaging in a specific behavior, the observer may replicate that behavior, making the model instrumental in the learning process.

The effectiveness of modeling encompasses various factors such as the characteristics of the model (e.g., their attractiveness, status, or similarity to the observer) and the context in which the behavior is being displayed. The observer sees the model's behavior in action, and through this observation, they may form an understanding of how to perform the same behavior. This foundational idea illustrates how social environments influence learning and development through imitation.