order to reproduce the model’s behavior. The next component is Retention. In order to reproduce the modeled behavior, the individuals must code the information into long-term memory. Therefore, the information will be retrieved. For example, a simple verbal description of what the model performed would be a known as retention. Motor reproduction is another process in observational learning. The observer must be able to reproduce the model’s behavior. TV Violence on Children The observer must learn and posses the physical capabilities of the modeled behavior. An example of motor reproduction would to be able to learn how to ski or ride a bike. Once a behavior is learned through attention and retention, the observer must posses the physically capabilities to produce the aggressive act. The final process in observational learning are Reinforcements. In this process, the observer expects to receive positive reinforcements for the modeled behavior. For example, most children witnessed violence on television being rewarded by the media. When individuals, especially children witness this type of media, they attend, code, retrieve, posses the motor capabilities and perform the modeled behavior because of the positive reinforcements determined by the media (Bandura, 1977). According to Bandura, the highest level of observational learning is achieved by first organizing and rehearsing the modeled behavior symbolically and then enacting it out. Also, individuals are more likely to adopt a modeled behavior if it results in outcomes they value, and even more likely, if the model is similar to the observer and has admired status and the behavior has functional value (Bandura, 1977). Bandura strongly believed television was a source of behavior modeling. Bandura has shown that “both children and adults acquire attitudes, emotional responses, and new styles of conduct through filmed and televised modeling” (Bandura, 1977, p.39)...
