Role of symbolic coding and rehearsal processes in observational learning

Investigated the effects of symbolic coding and different types of rehearsal on retention by 44 male and 44 female undergraduates of observationally learned responses over varying temporal intervals. Ss who coded the model's actions verbally or numerically at input and immediately rehearsed the memory codes from which the behavior could be reconstructed attained the highest level of response retention. Physical practice, on the other hand, did not independently aid retention of modeled responses. Both coding and symbolic rehearsal emerged as critical determinants of delayed imitative performance. Neither rehearsal without coding nor coding without rehearsal of the codes in immediate memory improved retention of modeled behavior. In further tests conducted a week later, symbolic coding remained as a significant determinant of matching performance, with the facilitative effects being largely attributable to codes that previously existed in permanent memory. Results support a social learning view of observational learning that emphasizes central processing of response information in the acquisition phase and motor reproduction and incentive processes in the overt enactment of what has been learned.