Observational learning, also known as modeling or social learning, is a type of learning that occurs by watching others, rather than through own our experience. Bandura popularized it; who demonstrated that people can acquire new behaviors and skills simply by observing others. Fundamental part of human development and behaviour. 

Here are the steps of observational learning:

1. Attention: In order to learn something through observation, you need to pay attention to the behavior being modeled. The more interesting or relevant the behavior is, the more likely you are to focus on it.

   
   

2. Retention: After paying attention, you need to be able to remember the behavior you've observed. This involves storing the information in memory for later use.

   
   

3. Reproduction: Once you've learned something through observation, the next step is reproducing or performing the behavior yourself. This step might require practice and refinement, especially if the behavior is complex.

   
   

4. Motivation: Even if you have learned and can reproduce a behavior, you need a reason or incentive to actually carry it out. Motivation can be intrinsic (internal desire or satisfaction) or extrinsic (external rewards, like praise or money).

For example if a child never gets the motor skills to pick up a cup the same way they see their parents do it then they would never be able to do it.

It helps with the retention/attention/reproduction of behaviours

Maturation helps the physical/mental skills develop so a child can imitate

We learn social behaviour by observing and imitating the behaviour of others

Social learning theory

—> behaviour factors —> environmental factors —> personal factors (cognitive, affective and biological events) All factors that impact observational learning

Observation is the primary role as to why and how people learn

Banduras theory —> children watching a video showing violence were more likely to imitate that violence