Observational learning: a technique for elucidating S-R mediation processes.

Os watched naive models (Ms) perform at a visual discrimination avoidance task. In a 2 X 2 design, task apparatus for M was either in the same orientation or rotated relative to that subsequently used for O, and hand used by M was either the same or different from that later to be used by 0. Os' test data conformed in near detail to the prediction that positive transfer would be proportional to similarity between visual stimuli received from M's performance and those later to be received from correct performance ("performing stimuli"). It is suggested that the observational learning paradigm may generally be useful for studying the mediation processes of S-R theory, the data of the present experiment indicating that mediating stimuli are more effective the more they approximate performing stimuli.