What type of learning occurs when individuals watch and imitate the behavior of others?

Observational learning is a type of learning that occurs through watching the actions of others and the consequences that follow those actions. This process was extensively studied by psychologist Albert Bandura, who demonstrated that people can acquire new behaviors simply by observing models, without direct reinforcement or punishment. In his famous Bobo doll experiment, children who observed adults behaving aggressively towards a doll tended to imitate that behavior when given the opportunity to play with the doll themselves.

This type of learning also underscores the importance of social influences on behavior; when individuals see others rewarded for specific actions, they are more likely to imitate those behaviors in hopes of receiving similar rewards. Observational learning thus emphasizes the cognitive processes involved in learning, showcasing that it can occur through social interaction rather than solely through direct experience.

The other types of learning mentioned, such as operant conditioning, classical conditioning, and insight learning, involve different mechanisms and processes in acquiring knowledge or skills. Operant conditioning focuses on learning through consequences (reinforcements and punishments), while classical conditioning involves associating an involuntary response to a stimulus. Insight learning refers to a sudden realization or understanding of a problem's solution, which does not rely on observational methods.