The experiment used two set of participants where one set learnt from a machine while the others learnt from a human participant. It was evident that the use of a ghost machine yielded better results compared to the use of a participant (Nairne, 2011).
Methodology
The method used to learn how observational learning influences children will be the use of questionnaires. Short questionnaires will be sent to twenty baby care centers to evaluate the observational learning skills possessed by the caregivers. The questionnaires will be filled by the participants using three main methods. Centers that are a long distance from researcher's location will be provided with the questionnaires through emails. Centers where the care giver is busy will be called when convenient and the questionnaire filled through a telephone conversation. Centers that are near the researcher will be filled by the use of interviews. The phone conversations and interview will be recorded using an audio recorder and later transcribed using NVIVO.
The questionnaire will have question that evaluate the experience of the caregiver. This ensures that the caregiver has adequate experience with young children. The questionnaire will also evaluate the observational skills taught in the center. The questionnaire will also evaluate the benefits of this mode of teaching. The teachers will give the reasons why thy use this form of teaching in the centers. All the information collected from the questionnaires will then be compiled to ensure that the results are used to give a credible conclusion.
Results
The information collected from the centers will be treated using NVIVO and excel spread sheets. The spread sheets will be used in comparing the information from the different centers. The use of NVIVO software will be effective in transcribing the information recorded in the audio recorder. The recordings will take an average of thirty minutes....
All the information collected from the research will be compiled to evaluate the characteristics of the data. The researcher should ensure that the data collected from the research is credible by conducting a literature review. The information collected from the literature review will be used to ensure that the information collected is accurate.
From the research results, it is expected that the teachers with more experience will be more efficient in ensuring that the student learn through observation. It will also be evident that the methods of teaching through observation increase as the teachers skills grow. The teacher is able to realize the best way to implement observational learning. It is also evident that younger teachers in the profession are able to implement modern modes education such as the use of television in the centers.
Conclusion
The aim of the study was to evaluate observational learning as one of the major ways used to teach young children. From the literature review, it is evident that not only does man learns from observation, animals also rely on observation. Observation plays a significant growth during the growth stage of animals. Children between the ages of eight months to two years are able to learn from observation from the care givers. Day care centers were chosen for the research as children around this age are found in the day care centers. The study will impact the field of learning psychology by ensuring that only positive behavior is taught to the children. Children under the age bracket should be monitored closely to ensure that negative behavior such as violence is discouraged. The research can also be used to ensure that positive behavior is cultivated in the society.
References
Mishra, B.K. (2008). Psychology; the study of human behavior. New Delhi: PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd.
Nairne, J.S. (2011). Psychology. Australia: Thompson/Wadsworth.
