Which type of learning is characterized by observing others and modeling their behavior?

The type of learning characterized by observing others and modeling their behavior is observational learning. This concept is grounded in the work of Albert Bandura, who emphasized the importance of social context and the role of imitation in learning. In observational learning, individuals watch the actions of others (often referred to as models) and then replicate those behaviors themselves. This process does not require direct experience or reinforcement; instead, it leverages the social environment to facilitate learning.

While social learning is closely related and often overlaps with observational learning, it encompasses a broader range of behaviors and interactions that occur within a social context, including the influence of societal norms and cultural factors. Classical conditioning and operant conditioning, on the other hand, are forms of learning based on direct experiences with stimuli and responses, highlighting how behavior is shaped by reinforcement and punishment rather than through observation.