Demonstrated by Albert Bandura in 1961 with the famous Bobo Doll Experiment.
Children watched adults attack a Bobo doll (inflatable punching bag). Later, those children imitated the aggressive behavior, even inventing new ways to attack.
The 4 stages of observational learning:
1. Attention: Focus on the model
2. Retention: Remember the behavior
3. Reproduction: Ability to replicate it
4. Motivation: Having a reason to do it
This theory explains how media violence may influence children's aggression.
Bandura later developed the concept of 'Self-Efficacy.'
Behavioral
Observational Learning
Learning by watching - Bobo Doll Experiment