Question 64

A parent shows a child how to clean their room and then the child does it on their own.

Observational learning occurs when an individual learns by watching the actions of others and then mimicking those actions. In this case, the child observes the parent cleaning their room and subsequently applies that knowledge independently.

A) A parent shows a child how to clean their room and then the child does it on their own.

This option is an example of observational learning as the child learns the behavior of cleaning by observing the parent and successfully performs the task independently afterward.

B) A parent takes away computer privileges until a child cleans their room.

This option represents a form of operant conditioning rather than observational learning. The child is being motivated to clean their room through the removal of privileges, which does not involve learning through observation.

C) A parent helps the child clean each time the child’s room is messy.

While this option illustrates parental involvement, it does not exemplify observational learning. The child is not learning through observation but rather through direct assistance from the parent.

D) A parent repeatedly shows a child how to clean their room but it remains messy.

This option indicates that despite repeated demonstrations, the child is not learning the behavior effectively, which suggests a failure in observational learning. The child may not be absorbing the information or lacks the motivation to apply it.

Conclusion

Option A is definitively the correct answer as it clearly illustrates the concept of observational learning, where the child learns by watching the parent and is able to replicate the behavior. The other options describe different forms of learning or parental involvement that do not center on the key principle of learning through observation.