Name:

AP Psychology: Observational Learning Video Lab

Bring ear phones/buds!
Pre-Lab Preparation: Please answer these three questions before class on
Tuesday, 11/19.
1. Name the psychologist who greatly contributed to our understanding of observational
learning.

2. Define modeling IN YOUR OWN WORDS.

3. Distinguish between prosocial and antisocial models/behavior.

Video Lab Directions: Your mission today is to apply observational learning ideas to various
video examples. Follow the directions and answer the questions below.
1. Bobo Doll Experiment (~5 minutes)
Watch the video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YclZBhn40hU
a. Describe the Bobo Doll experiment and its findings. Include specific details regarding adult
behavior and the resulting modeled behavior the children displayed.

b. How did observing aggression impact the childs aggression toward Bobo?

2. Monkey See, Monkey Do? (~2:45 minutes)

Watch the video at: http://www.upworthy.com/2monkeys-were-paid-unequally-see-what-happensnext?g=2
a. Describe how the monkeys combine observational learning and operant conditioning
within this clip.

b. In examining human behavior, relate this clip to students in school as well as adults in the
workplace.

3. Children See, Children Do (~1:30 minutes)

Watch the video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHi2dxSf9hw
a. List several of the positive and negative effects of modeling behavior to children.

b. Provide at least one example of prosocial model in your life. Explain your answer.

4. Babies & Learning (~2:30 minutes)

View the video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYOiJnxTf8I
a. Are humans born with an innate preference for pro-social behavior
or are we blank slates who learn by environmental exposure?

b. Summarize at least one experimental finding from this video which might support your answer to
the above question.

5. Video Game Violence (~3:07 minutes)

Visit the link: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18560_162-678261.html

Watch the video segment under Watch the Segment on the top left part of the webpage (there is also
an article on this if you chose to read instead of watch a video).

Finally, answer the questions below.

a. Describe the effect the video game had on the young man in this video segment.

b. According to the video, does repeated exposure to violent video games have more of an impact on
teenagers than it does on adults? Justify your answer.

c. How does your answer relate to Banduras Bobo experimental findings on aggression?

d. Do you believe that Devin Moore should be able to use Grand Theft Auto as a credible reason for
committing murder? Why or Why not?

e. Explain your reaction to the claim that the video game provided Moore with a cranial menu..was
he being trained?

6. Chimpanzee vs. Human Child Learning (~3:30 minutes)

Watch the video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cef5pn7M1z8
a. When the box is transparent/clear, why do children obediently imitate
the needless behaviors of tapping, etc?

b. Suggest a few reasons to explain why humans imitate so well. Is there any real value to
modeling?

7. MIRROR NEURONS (~13:50 minutes)

Watch the video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xmx1qPyo8Ks
1. Explain the link between mirror neurons and the brains limbic system. How does this relate to
empathy?

2. How important are mirror neurons for successful observational learning?

3. Explain the role of mirror neurons and observational learning in aiding humans survival and
adaptation.

8. Optional Review Practice Classical or Operant Conditioning?

For each of the examples below, decide if the behavior in question was acquired through operant or
classical conditioning.

If you decide the behavior is operant, identify which type of consequence was responsible for the
behavior change (i.e., positive/negative reinforcement; positive/negative punishment).

If you decide the behavior is classical, identify the US, UR, CS, and CR.

After completing the 10 examples, check your answers at:

http://www.ar.cc.mn.us/biederman/courses/p1110/conditioning2.htm

1.) Every time someone flushes a toilet in the apartment building, the shower becomes very hot and causes the
person to jump back. Over time, the person begins to jump back automatically after hearing the flush,
before the water temperature changes.

2.) Your father gives you a credit card at the end of your first year in college because you did so well. As a
result, your grades continue to get better in your second year

3.) PLEASE SKIP THIS QUESTION.

4.) You eat a new food and then get sick because of the flu. However, you develop a dislike for the food and
feel nauseated whenever you smell it.

5.) An individual receives frequent injections of drugs, which are administered in a small examination room at
a clinic. The drug itself causes increased heart rate but after several trips to the clinic, simply being in a
small room causes an increased heart rate.

6.) A lion in a circus learns to stand up on a chair and jump through a hoop to receive a food treat.

7.) A professor has a policy of exempting students from the final exam if they maintain perfect attendance
during the quarter. His students attendance increases dramatically.

8.) You check the coin return slot on a pay telephone and find a quarter. You find yourself checking other
telephones over the next few days.

9.) Your hands are cold so you put your gloves on. In the future, you are more likely to put gloves on when
its cold.

10.) John Watson conducted an experiment with a boy named Albert in which he paired a white rat with a
loud, startling noise. Albert now becomes startled at the sight of the white rat.