Abstract
Rats acquired a food-motivated leverpressing response by “observational learning” or by trial-and-error learning under conditions of social facilitation or isolation. Both the observational learning and social facilitation Ss learned faster than did the isolated trial-and-error Ss. There was no difference in speed of learning between the observational learning and social facilitation groups. It is suggested that some previous studies purporting to demonstrate observational learning may have demonstrated socially facilitated trial-and-error learning instead.
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Supported by USPHS Grant 5T01-GM 00065 to E.L.G. and by various funds from the 6571st Aeromedical Research Laboratory, Holloman AFB, N. Mex. We thank W. E. Bacon for the initial inspiration. We also thank D. N. Farrer and C. H. Kratochvil for unstinting support.
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Gardner, E.L., Engel, D.R. Imitational and social facilitatory aspects of observational learning in the laboratory rat. Psychon Sci 25, 5–6 (1971). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03335828
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03335828