What is the concept of learning by observing others called?

The concept of learning by observing others is known as vicarious learning. This process occurs when individuals acquire new skills, knowledge, or behaviors not through direct experience but by watching and imitating others. It emphasizes the social aspect of learning, highlighting how individuals can learn in a variety of environments by observing the outcomes of someone else’s actions, which can inform their own future behaviors and choices.

Vicarious learning is particularly relevant in contexts such as modeling, where behaviors and consequences observed can influence an observer's understanding and actions without them having to undergo those experiences firsthand. This approach is integral to many educational and developmental theories, as it reinforces the idea that learning can also occur in social settings and through interaction with peers, mentors, or leaders.

Active learning, while related, focuses more on engaging directly with the material through participation, discussion, or hands-on activities rather than through observation. Experiential learning emphasizes learning through experience and reflection on doing, while reflective learning involves thinking critically about one's own experiences and their implications for learning. All these concepts complement vicarious learning but do not specifically describe the observational learning process.