2014年5月托福考试模拟试题及答案(第十套)_第2页

　　Observational Learning

　　Some scientists believed that direct reinforcement could not account for all types of learning. Bandura’s learning theory added a social element, arguing that people can learn new information and behaviors by watching other people. Known as obversational learning(or modeling), this type of learning can be used to explain a wide variety of behaviors. Observational learning takes place when an individual acquires a habit or skill through witnessing the performance of another person. Such learning often, but not always, involves imitation of the obverved activities.

　　Sample Answer:

　　Observatinal learning means that people can acquire new things through watching other’s performances. The lecture cited one experiment to illustrate the term. In 1961, Bandura conducted his famous Bobo ball experiment to support this theory. Twenty four children were divided into two playrooms where two adult models were seated. The aggressive adult model was attacking the ball while the other played the tinker toy all the time. Then both groups were put into a room of toys and those exposed to the aggressive model tend to act in more aggressive ways. This proves Bandura’s theory that children may be influenced by adults’ behavior through observational learning.