Imprinting

How much does observing someone’s behavior actually shape others' actions? Social learning theory, introduced by psychologist Albert Bandura suggests that learning occurs through observation, imitation, and modeling. This intriguing theory accounts for the interaction of environmental and cognitive elements affecting people's learning. However, when this theory is put to the test, is it true? In 1961, Albert Bandura was eager to investigate the role of observational learning by creating his classic study “Bobo Doll Experiment.” The assessment involved children between the ages of three and six divided into three groups (exposed to an aggressive adult model who attacked a Bobo doll, exposed to a non-aggressive adult model, was not exposed to any adult model “control group”). After the children observed the adult models, they were then free to be left alone with the Bobo doll. Once the researchers observed and recorded their behavior, they uncovered significant findings. The chil

       Only hours after an animal is born, they begin to develop an extremely close bond with the animal they first meet. Not only does this involve the animal's parents, as research has shown animals become socially bonded to whoever they may see first. This term is called imprinting, where an animal attaches to the first thing it sees upon hatching. The idea of imprinting is a fascinating part of development. With it, species would avoid confusion and loss of identification. Imprinting is a crucial part of development as we must seek praise and guidance from a higher authority.       In the 1930s, zoologist Konrad Lorenz became deeply interested in early social attachment. Lorenz was the perfect candidate to test this as newly hatched goslings would follow the first moving object they saw, this being Lorenz himself. These ducklings developed a social bond with Lorenz, resulting in a half dozen waddling ducks following him around.   Imprinting is a form of learning. As animals and