Cyndi watches her older sister getting yelled at after she throws an apple across the kitchen. Cyndi is now less likely to throw an apple across the kitchen herself. What is this kind of learning through observation best described as?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Counterimitation is the best description for this kind of learning through observation. It is the tendency to avoid imitating behaviors that are punished or disapproved of by others. In this case, Cyndi witnessed her sister being yelled at for throwing an apple, and therefore, she is less likely to imitate that behavior in the future. Time-out, direct instruction, and a negative reinforcement trap are not applicable in this context.

Cyndi Watches Her Older Sister Getting Yelled at After She