Modelling, from the observer's perspective, involves imitating the role model's behaviour; from the role model's perspective, it is the precise demonstration of a behaviour that may be imitated. What is this process called?

Modelling, from the observer's perspective, involves imitating the role model's behaviour; from the role model's perspective, it is the precise demonstration of a behaviour that may be imitated. What is this process called?

• A. Imitation
• B. Modelling
• C. Vicarious reinforcement
• D. Identification

Answer: (B)

Modelling in social learning theory describes the process of learning through watching a model demonstrate a behavior that others may imitate. From the observer’s viewpoint, it’s imitation of the model’s actions; from the model’s viewpoint, it’s the clear demonstration of a behavior that could be copied. The description in the question fits modelling because it captures both the demonstrative act by the model and the copying that may follow. It’s broader than imitation, which is the actual copying; it’s also distinct from vicarious reinforcement, which is about learning from observed consequences, and from identification, which involves adopting the model’s identity or values rather than just a specific behavior.

Modelling in social learning theory describes the process of learning through watching a model demonstrate a behavior that others may imitate. From the observer’s viewpoint, it’s imitation of the model’s actions; from the model’s viewpoint, it’s the clear demonstration of a behavior that could be copied. The description in the question fits modelling because it captures both the demonstrative act by the model and the copying that may follow. It’s broader than imitation, which is the actual copying; it’s also distinct from vicarious reinforcement, which is about learning from observed consequences, and from identification, which involves adopting the model’s identity or values rather than just a specific behavior.