observational learning

1. the acquisition of information, skills, or behavior through watching the performance of others, either directly or via such media as films and videos. Also called vicarious learning.

2. the conditioning of an animal to perform an act that it observes in a member of the same or a different species. For example, the mockingbird can learn to imitate the song patterns of other kinds of birds. Also called vicarious conditioning. See also modeling theory.

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Psychology term of the day

January 30th 2025

Katz Index of Activities of Daily Living

an observer-based measure of the functional status of older adults and individuals with chronic disorders. An individual is rated on the degree of assistance required to perform six basic functions: bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting, transferring, and continence. Baseline measurements provide useful feedback when compared to periodic or subsequent measurements. Also called Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living. [originally developed in 1963 by Sidney Katz (d. 2012), U.S. physician and geriatrician]