82 PSYCHOLOGY
(c) is characterized by imagined gratification.Answers: (a) Observational learning; (b) model; (c) Vicarious reinforcement.Social learning theory,associated with Bandura’s research, states that much
of our behavior in reference to other people is acquired through observational
learning. Let’s say that Carol is a fifteen-year-old high school student. She is on
the fringe of a group of adolescent females who admire a charismatic eighteen-
year-old named Dominique. Dominique smokes, uses obscenities, and brags
about her sexual exploits. Carol observes Dominique and obtains a lot of vicari-
ous reinforcement from Dominique’s behavior. If Carol begins to imitate
Dominique’s behavior, then social learning has taken place.
Both prosocial behavior and antisocial behavior can be acquired through
observational learning. Prosocial behavioris behavior that contributes to the
long-run goals of a traditional reference group such as the family or the popula-
tion of the nation (see chapter 16). If an individual admires one or both parents,
then the parents may be taken as role models. Many adolescents and young adults
acquire attitudes and personal habits that resemble those of their parents. If one is
patriotic and ready to defend one’s nation during time of war, it is quite likely that
the individual is taking important historical figures such as presidents and generals
as role models.
Antisocial behavioris behavior that has an adverse impact on the long-run
goals of a traditional reference group. From the point of view of Carol’s parents,
if Carol begins to act like Dominique, then Carol’s behavior is antisocial.(a) What theory states that much of our behavior in reference to other people is acquired
through observational learning?
(b) is behavior that contributes to the long-run goals of a traditional
reference group.
(c) is behavior that has an adverse impact on the long-run goals of a
traditional reference group.Answers: (a) Social learning theory; (b) Prosocial behavior; (c) Antisocial behavior.Latent learning is a second kind of learning in which consciousness
appears to play a large role. Pioneer research on latent learning is associated with
experiments conducted by the University of California psychologist Edward C.
Tolman and his associates. Let’s say that a rat is allowed to explore a maze with-
out reinforcement. It seems to wander through the maze without any particular
pattern of behavior. It is probably responding to its own curiosity drive, but no
particular learning appears to be taking place. Let’s say that after ten such oppor-
tunities, reinforcement in the form of food in a goal box is introduced. The rat,