Vicarious learning

Vicarious learning is the imitation of a behavior following observation of the behavior of our peers.

We consider the results of certain actions carried out, and see their success thanks to the behaviors highlighted. They therefore seem to be, in our eyes, consciously or unconsciously, necessary to imitate. And we adhere to them because they offer results that correspond to our expectations or our values ​​(like leadership for example). In this way, we avoid accumulating trials and errors, which others may have done before us.

Vicarious learning can also be called “modeling”. Indeed, we imitate the behaviors that we have observed in people who we consider as models in a field.

Observation is therefore not passive, unlike mimicry. Actively, observation goes through several dimensions: attention, memorization, reproduction and motivation.

In this type of learning, the observed behaviors have proven successful, and we want to apply the same to obtain the same successes.

Vicarious learning was born according to social learning theories, in 1986, by Albert Bandura. With a cognitive-behavioral orientation, Bandura realizes that we cannot live without considering the surroundings, whether it is our family, our culture, etc. We always live with them, and whether we like it or not, learn from them.

Social learning theories then consider human actions as resulting from three factors: cognitions, behaviors and environmental context.

It is not because we learn by imitation that our own experience should be neglected in this type of learning. Indeed, based on our own experiences, we constantly adjust our behavior according to what we have experienced. Some may have been failures, so we try to analyze the successful experiences of others in those that put us in difficulty.

This is what we consider to be the symbolization of our experience. In this way we learn to communicate better, to better anticipate possible difficulties, to better imagine the future and our own actions. Vicarious learning is therefore not mimicry since it ultimately considers the interpretation we have of the result of the other's behavior.

We have experienced vicarious learning since birth. Indeed, we imitate the behaviors and actions of our parents. Indeed, this learning brings several benefits to the child, adolescent or adult.

Firstly, he can learn new behaviors that he has not yet acquired. He will be able to observe, train and appropriate it in his own way.

Secondly, he can remove certain behaviors that seem to be dysfunctional. Indeed, if he sees that a fairer reaction to a situation allows the person to flourish more, he will try to acquire the same.

Finally, this type of learning helps reduce anxiety or phobias. We observe our loved ones facing situations that are anxiety-provoking, but their behavior seems entirely appropriate and fearless. We will then imitate these same behaviors and reduce our own anxiety.

Vicarious learning is not limited to imitating the behaviors of our family members. It goes way beyond that. It comes from our culture (our peers, sharing the same value, ideology, religion, etc.), from books, from the media (television shows, radio), from influential people (president, Nobel Prize winners, etc.), from our comrades, from our establishment (teachers, educators, etc.).

School is a great source of vicarious learning. Indeed, the teacher talks about his experience, shows exercises and methods for success, and the student will only have to apply it to succeed in a similar exercise.

Imitating behavior can be done in all contexts. The closer the person is to their source of influence, the more quickly the behavior will be accepted. However, even if he does not know it personally, a person can consider a distant model.

This is why, like any type of learning, it can be known to be toxic depending on our sources of inspiration. Malicious people can use the vulnerability of certain others to get them to adopt behaviors that will be considered successful.

Now that you are fully aware that the behavior of others influences you, embrace it. Observe the behaviors of people you consider successful, analyze and interpret this success. Ask yourself what could be right for you, and what you will be able to put in place to be able to achieve your goals. It’s not about “copying” your peers, or losing who you are to become who they are. This is about appropriating behaviors that could be useful to you, and using them according to your own personality and your own experience.