In Bandura's four-step process for observational learning, which step involves remembering the demonstrated model reinforced by cues and mental imagery?

In Bandura's four-step process for observational learning, which step involves remembering the demonstrated model reinforced by cues and mental imagery?

• A. Retention
• B. Motor reproduction
• C. Attention
• D. Motivation

Answer: (A)

In Bandura's observational learning sequence, the step that involves remembering the demonstrated model through cues and mental imagery is retention. After you attend to the model, you store a mental representation of the observed actions. You might use mental imagery to picture the sequence or verbal labels to code the steps, and you rely on cues from the situation to help recall the behavior later. This memory of the model prepares you for later imitation, when you engage in motor reproduction. Attention focuses on the model in the moment, motor reproduction turns those remembered steps into actual movement, and motivation influences whether you imitate at all based on expected outcomes. That remembered, cue-assisted representation is why this phase is retention.

In Bandura's observational learning sequence, the step that involves remembering the demonstrated model through cues and mental imagery is retention. After you attend to the model, you store a mental representation of the observed actions. You might use mental imagery to picture the sequence or verbal labels to code the steps, and you rely on cues from the situation to help recall the behavior later. This memory of the model prepares you for later imitation, when you engage in motor reproduction. Attention focuses on the model in the moment, motor reproduction turns those remembered steps into actual movement, and motivation influences whether you imitate at all based on expected outcomes. That remembered, cue-assisted representation is why this phase is retention.