What is the process of learning a behavior through observing others called?

The process of learning a behavior through observing others is referred to as modeling. This concept is rooted in social learning theory, which suggests that individuals can acquire new skills and behaviors by watching the actions of others and observing the consequences of those actions.

Modeling involves more than just imitation; it also includes the understanding of social cues and context. For instance, a young animal may learn from the behavior of its parents or peers regarding feeding, grooming, or social interaction. This type of learning is particularly important in species that rely on social structures for survival and development.

In contrast, conditioning refers to a learning process where associations are made between a behavior and a consequence, often through rewards or punishments. Reinforcement specifically focuses on increasing the likelihood of a behavior occurring by providing a reward or removing an adverse stimulus. Imprinting is a unique form of learning that typically occurs at a specific life stage, such as a young animal recognizing and following its caregiver or mother. Each of these processes plays a role in behavior development, but modeling specifically highlights the significance of learning through observation.