Does Observational Learning Influence Spatial Pattern Learning for Humans?

Recent research has been interested in the influence of social information on spatial learning tasks (for a review, see Brown, 2011). The present experiment examined the effect of observational learning on the performance of humans in a spatial pattern learning task. One group of participants (i.e., Optimal Observation) watched a virtual character complete a spatial pattern learning task using an optimal search strategy whereas another group of participants (i.e., Random Observation) watched a virtual character complete the spatial pattern learning task using a random search strategy. Both groups then completed a spatial pattern learning task. To the extent that observational learning occurs and influences completion of the spatial pattern learning task, measures of learning for participants in the Optimal Observation group should be superior relative to those of the Random Observation group. Results and implications will be discussed.