n.1. a technique used in cognitive behavior therapy and behavior therapy in which learning occurs through observation and imitation alone, without comment or reinforcement by the therapist. See also behavioral modeling. 2. the process in which one or more individuals or other entities serve as examples (models) that a child will emulate. Models are often parents, other adults, or other children, but they may also be symbolic (e.g., a book or television character). See also social learning theory.