Modeling is form of learning that occurs as a result of watching and imitating others. The concept of behavioral modeling was most memorably introduced by Albert Bandura in his famous 1961 Bobo Doll Experiment. Modeling refers both to the behavior of the learner and the teacher. Modeling is a method used in certain techniques of psychotherapy whereby the client learns by imitation alone, without any specific verbal direction by the therapist, and modeling is a general process in which persons serve as models for others, exhibiting the behavior to be imitated by the others.
Sibling Thumb
Sucking - "Modeling effect on the younger sibling"
Effects of Treatment for Targeted and Untargeted Siblings.
In this study, removal of a transitional object (pillow) was applied as the sole
intervention for one of two siblings who sucked their thumbs. The intervention was applied
only to the older sibling, whereas data were collected on the thumb sucking of both
participants.
Changing Behavior in Task
Groups Through Social Learning: Modeling Alternatives
Gordon A. Walter, Faculty of Commerce and Business Administration, University of
British Columbia - Human Relations, Vol. 29, No. 2, 167-178 (1976).
This study explores the relative effects of "acted" and "natural"
social models upon the behaviors of members of problem-solving groups. Major differences
between model group behaviors were identified by 62 judges. A "pretest-posttest
control group" experimental design was used to examine the behavioral effects of
modeling for 72 subjects, which was measured using a behavioral coding technique developed
by Hoffman and Maier. The central finding in this experimental effort was that
"acted" models were more effective in promoting behavior change than were
"natural" models.
Precursors of Individual Change: Responses to a Social Learning Theory Based on Organizational Intervention - Jerry I. Porras, Kenneth Hargis, Graduate School of Business, Stanford University - Human Relations, Vol. 35, No. 11, 973-990 (1982).
This research investigated the role of 12 personal characteristics as they predisposed 33 first-line supervisors to change their interactions with employees in accordance with a behavioral modeling training program. Questionnaires were administered to groups of trained and control supervisors both before and after a 10-week training period.
These instruments measured perceptions of behavioral change as well as a variety of personal characteristics including self-actualization, regard for others and the self, role clarity, role ambiguity, role conflict, stress, control, competence, education level, job tenure, and company tenure. Eight of these twelve characteristics proved significantly predictive of change for trained supervisors while none were predictive for control supervisors. The pattern of predictive characteristics indicated that feelings of well-being may be more conducive to acceptance of organizational training programs than feelings of need.