Which term describes a model or stimulus that evokes imitation, even if not used as an intentional demonstration?

• A. Planned model
• B. Model eliciting cue
• C. S-delta
• D. Unplanned model

Answer: (D)

Observational learning can be triggered by models even when a teacher isn’t deliberately presenting a demonstration. An unplanned model refers to someone or something in the environment that provides a model for imitation without any intention to teach. The learner copies the behavior because the modeled action appears relevant or attractive, not because it was scheduled as a learning trial. This differs from a planned model, which is specifically arranged to show the target behavior for instructional purposes. A model eliciting cue would be a prompt that intent on eliciting imitation, not the mere model itself. An S-delta signals nonreinforcement for a behavior, which is about discrimination, not modeling. So the term that captures a model or stimulus that evokes imitation without being an intentional demonstration is unplanned model.