Idea Post #1: Spring Semester

Idea Post #1: Spring Semester

Thursday February 3rd, 2011

Role Model

Quotes: "Although observational learning can take place at any stage in life, it is thought to be particularly important during childhood, particularly as authority becomes important."

- Dr. Joe Kiff

"Observational learning allows for learning without any change in behavior and has therefore been used as an argument against strict behaviorism which argued that behavior change must occur for new behaviors to be acquired."

Dr. Joe Kiff

Source for both: Kiff, Joe. "Observational Learning." Psychology Wiki n. pag. Web. 2 Feb 2011. <http://psychology.wikia.com/wiki/Observational_learning>.

Annotated Bibliography: Bandura, A. (1977) Social Learning Theory. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. Hardback: ISBN 0138167443 - Paperback: ISBN 0138167516. This book is pretty much the bible of studying role models.  Author Andrew Bandura pioneered the research on observational learning and implemented some of the most important studies in the area.  This text details his theories.  There couldn't be a better text used to learn about role models and learning by observation. 

I am now really looking into the idea of role models for children.  I want to observe and find out where children draw their influence and inspiration.  By researching the psychology of role models and how a child develops their role models might help me know where to look, what questions to ask, and how to address the issue with the children I want to talk to.