Who are referred to as models in the context of observational learning?

In the context of observational learning, the term "models" refers to the individuals being observed by others. Observational learning is a concept related to Albert Bandura's social learning theory, which emphasizes that people can learn new behaviors by watching others perform those behaviors. The individuals who exhibit the behavior serve as models, providing a point of reference for the observer to imitate or learn from.

When an observer watches a model demonstrate a particular action or behavior, they are able to learn by observing the consequences that the model experiences, such as rewards or punishments, which can influence the observer's decision to adopt or refrain from that behavior themselves. This process underscores the importance of role models in educational settings, social situations, and personal development, making it clear that the models are those individuals whose actions are being directly observed and learned from.