What is the term for learning that occurs by observing others?

Observational learning is the process through which individuals acquire new behaviors or information by watching others, without direct experience or reinforcement. This type of learning is significant because it highlights the role of social interactions and environments in shaping behavior. For instance, when a child learns to tie their shoes by watching a parent do it, they are engaging in observational learning. This concept emphasizes the importance of modeling in human behavior, as individuals can learn skills, norms, and values by observing others in their community.

In contrast, imitative learning specifically refers to the replication of specific actions and is often considered a more narrow subset of observational learning. Experiential learning involves learning through experience and reflection, which requires active engagement rather than passive observation. Participatory learning usually focuses on group interactions and collaborative learning processes, which also differ from the individual learning dynamics observed in observational learning.