When learners do what the model does regardless of the behavior modeled without direct training, __________ has been demonstrated.

• A. Imitation
• B. Observational learning
• C. Modeling
• D. Generalized imitation

Answer: (D)

Generalized imitation is the broad tendency to imitate a wide range of modeled actions, even when those specific behaviors haven’t been directly trained or reinforced. When learners do what the model does regardless of which behavior is shown and without direct training, that demonstrates generalized imitation—their imitative repertoire extends beyond a single trained response to imitate many modeled actions.

Imitation itself is copying a specific modeled behavior after exposure, while observational learning involves acquiring behaviors by watching others, which can encompass more than just imitation. Modeling is the demonstration itself, not the learner’s subsequent pattern of behavior.