What is vicarious learning?

Vicarious learning refers to the process of learning by observing the behaviors of others and the consequences those behaviors produce. This kind of learning allows individuals to gain knowledge or skills without direct experience, as they can see what happens when someone else engages in a particular action. For example, a student might watch a peer successfully complete a math problem and learn the steps involved without having to attempt the problem themselves first. This method of learning is effective because it enables individuals to mimic successful behaviors and avoid mistakes that others have made, enhancing the overall learning experience.

In contrast, learning through trial and error involves direct engagement and personal experience, which does not encapsulate the essence of vicarious learning. Similarly, learning that occurs in a formal classroom setting and learning from reading and writing alone do not inherently include the observational aspect that is central to vicarious learning.