MODELLING/VICARIOUS EXPERIENCE

[blank_start]Vicarious experience[blank_end], refers to seeing a ‘similar other’ [blank_start]successfully[blank_end] perform the behaviour and [blank_start]appraising[blank_end] one’s own performance against the performance of that similar other. [blank_start]Modelling[blank_end] is learning by observing someone else doing it. If they can do it, I think I can do it too.

Modelling/vicarious experience - [blank_start]Social Cognitive Theory[blank_end] - Bandura •posits that human behaviour is the product of the dynamic interplay of personal, [blank_start]behavioural[blank_end] and environmental influences. •emphasizes that learning occurs in a social context and that much of what is learned is gained through [blank_start]observation of models[blank_end]. Why do we learn from others? For most activities, there are no absolute measures of adequacy. Therefore, people must [blank_start]appraise their capabilities[blank_end] in relation to the attainment of others. (Bandura, 1977)

4 processes in observational learning: [blank_start]Attentional processes[blank_end]: exploring and deciding what behaviour we are going to model and from whom/where. [blank_start]Retention[blank_end]: the active process of transforming and restructuring information about events for memory representation in the form of rules and conceptions. Cognitive rehearsal of the coded information. [blank_start]Production[blank_end]: conceptions are translated into appropriate courses of action. [blank_start]Motivational processes[blank_end]: experiencing a gain from the modelled behaviour, which makes the effort required worthwhile.

Festinger is credited with which theory, connected to modelling/vicarious experience?

Social [blank_start]Comparative[blank_end] Theory centers on the belief that there is a drive within individuals to gain accurate [blank_start]self-evaluations[blank_end]. The theory explains how individuals evaluate their own opinions and abilities by comparing themselves to others in order to reduce uncertainty in these domains, and learn how to [blank_start]define the self.[blank_end] If people want to achieve something, they model themselves on people who do it a little better. Following the initial theory, research began to focus on social comparison as a way of self-[blank_start]enhancement[blank_end]. Comparing ourselves to others is, for many activities, the only way to ‘know’ whether we are good at the activity.

Modelling/vicarious experience - central element Not imitation, but [blank_start]ACTIVE LEARNING PROCESS[blank_end] through [blank_start]appraisal[blank_end] and social comparison processes ƒ - not just doing what others are doing - process of appraisal of other’s behaviour, social comparison.

Central elements - modelling/vicarious experience

Choosing to use modelling/vicarious experience According to Bandura, observational learning/modeling is the second most important source of [blank_start]self-efficacy[blank_end] information (after enactive mastery) In order for modelling/vicarious experience methods to be effective, the target group should be [blank_start]ready to change behavior[blank_end]. The method will not work with [blank_start]young children[blank_end] as they are unable to self-appraise. The method should be used for people who need to improve their self-efficacy.

Evidence for use - modelling/vicarious experience For [blank_start]physical activity[blank_end] a meta analysis showed that interventions that used vicarious experience and [blank_start]feedback on past performance[blank_end] produced significantly higher levels of [blank_start]physical activity[blank_end] self-efficacy than interventions that did not include these techniques.

Modelling/vicarious experience - there are strict parameters of use. Select the correct ones from the list below.

Example - use of modelling/vicarious experience [blank_start]Mobile phone[blank_end] intervention for smoking cessation in which the role models were ex-smokers who had the same [blank_start]struggle[blank_end] as the participants. The people in the intervention group were asked to select one out of six role models (all ex-smokers) from whom they would receive [blank_start]messages[blank_end]. The role models were discussing issues they had found difficult and [blank_start]coping strategies[blank_end] they used to remain smoke-free. Participants could ask for [blank_start]extra support messages[blank_end] on demand.

Examples - use of modelling/vicarious experience The North [blank_start]Karelia[blank_end] Project is long-term project in [blank_start]Finland[blank_end] to reduce [blank_start]cardiovascular[blank_end] and other chronic diseases. It conducted mass media campaigns featuring peer modeling in a [blank_start]reality television[blank_end] format: people in North Karelia were followed in news and public affairs programming as they [blank_start]learned[blank_end] to quit smoking, lose or maintain weight and control hypertension. Interpersonal communication networks were organized to provide [blank_start]direct modeling[blank_end] and social reinforcement for new behaviours and advocacy of environmental changes such as smoking-free environments and higher cigarette taxes. Over [blank_start]25 years[blank_end] these activities led to changes in behaviour that translated into a [blank_start]70% reduction in cardiovascular disease[blank_end], 65% reduction in lung cancer and longer life expectancy.