ABCs of Human Behavior by Jonas Ramnero

Author:Jonas Ramnero
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub, azw3
ISBN: 9781608824366
Publisher: New Harbinger Publications
Published: 2008-02-29T23:00:00+00:00

Remote Control: Modeling

A special instance of operant behavior that has vast implications for the process of learning in life is that early on we learn to copy the behavior of others. There are indications that this is supported by inherited behavioral programs. We are biologically prepared to imitate our primary caregivers in life. In this way, “imitating” is reinforced as a general behavior. This early form of imitative behavior will evolve through life in the form of learning known as modeling (Bandura, 1977). As in the case of generalization, this is a way for us to avoid the inherently slow process of learning everything on every occasion by direct experience. Instead we learn by observing a person who models the behavior. This process of observing others will, in a vast range of situations, spare us the time and effort that individual exploration and experimentation requires. Instead, we just observe what the model does in order to contact reinforcing circumstances. From early on, we can see children, for example, “doing things like Dad.” This way of learning will be present all through our lives. A great deal of our social behavioral repertoire is learned by modeling. We learn how to be social by observing and interacting with others. In the process of therapy, we find a relevant instance of modeling, where we can assume that one aspect of the learning process lies in the client’s imitating the therapist in approaching different problems that are presented in therapy.

By modeling, we access a shortcut that increases the likelihood of performing certain behaviors, and in turn contact reinforcement that follows these behaviors. But modeling also establishes a special kind of reinforcer: behaving in accordance with a socially important model can be reinforcing in and of itself. For instance, how else could we understand the learning process behind the phenomenon of rock stars learning to behave like rock stars long before they are rock stars?

When developing self-harming behaviors, it is probable that modeling has a profound influence. Let’s look at this in Jenny’s situation:

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