Bandura's research on observational learning laid the foundation of role model research. Contemporary research shows role models support women and racial/ethnic minority students in STEM by buffering them from the deleterious effects of stereotype threats and boosting their self-efficacy. However, certain characteristics can make role models more…

The purpose of this article is to help coaches apply specific principles of psychology to the coaching process. More specifically, the work of Albert Bandura and his social cognitive theory form the basis for the article. This article begins with a brief overview of Bandura's social cognitive theory. It then examines four types of behaviors worthy…

Play is traditionally considered the foundation of learning in the early years. Because play is characterized by free choice, it can be difficult for adults to ensure all learning is useful for children. The intervention described here took a novel approach to this problematic. It exposed 17 four-year-olds to different adult demonstrations to see…

A skill essential for successful inclusion in general education settings is the ability to learn by observing others. Research, however, has documented children with autism display significant deficits in the fundamental skills necessary for observational learning. This article outlines the skills essential for observational learning from an…

Researchers, policymakers, and educators face a daunting task these days concerning literacy education for the here and now and literacy for the future. Even though one clings to the romantic notion that education provides the building blocks in a straight line to a meaningful future, the reality is that mixed goals and instructional messages…

Investigates the extent to which family background (number of siblings and birth order) interacts with a willingness to copy aggressive behavior of others among 36 boys between 60 and 68 months old. Concludes that those from larger families were more willing aggressors and that birth order did not affect imitation. (JDH)

Attempts to define and clarify the concept of response uncertainty of the observer in imitation through a review of research on imitation. (CM)

Two experiments studied five- to eight-year-old children's capacity to resist temptation as a function of observing a deviant model. (CM)

Some determinants of affectionate behavior in young children were explored. Experiment 1 demonstrated that children who imitated a male model who was nurturant were nurturant. Experiment 2 demonstrated that mere participation without imitation of nurturance and imitation of neutral physical contact was not effective in inducing affectionate…

Two experiments examined conditions that affect the observer's spontaneous motoric and symbolic mediation, and the relationship between these mediators in an observational learning situation. Subjects were undergraduate students. (CM)

The ways in which values are learned in youth sport activities are discussed and the development of positive attitudes and behaviors are examined. Values are learned through modeling or imitating behavior. Three types of reinforcement can furnish incentives to achieve desired behaviors. (JN)

Assessed the differential effects of single v multiple adult models on second- and third-grade children's expression of preferences when the modeled preferences are either consistent or divergent. (CM)

Analyzed the differences between heroes, other characters, and themes from the Roy Rogers television show of the 1950s, and the Brave Starr show of the 1980s. Found the modern hero more prosocial, cooperative, fearful, and self-critical. The modern villain was more hostile, negative, and successful against the hero. Discusses implications for…

Assessed the authenticity of conservation attainment through an observational learning paradigm. First grade children (N=60) were exposed to either a peer or adult model who was either present or absent during a series of tasks. No correlation was found between social influence and observational acquisition of conservation. (Author/JAC)

A study was done to determine and describe the level of preschoolers' and first-graders' awareness, attitudes, and practices regarding cigarettes, pipes, and cigars. Data strongly reflected the fact that parents and older siblings are very influential in the eventual choices of young children to smoke or not to smoke. (JN)