What term describes the influence exerted by observing the actions and consequences of others?

The correct term for the influence exerted by observing the actions and consequences of others is known as observational learning. This concept emphasizes the role of modeling and imitation in the learning process. Through observational learning, individuals can acquire new behaviors and skills simply by watching others, rather than through direct experience or instruction. This form of learning is essential in various contexts, including social interactions, education, and skill acquisition.

Observational learning was notably popularized by Albert Bandura's studies, particularly his Bobo doll experiment, which demonstrated that children could learn aggressive behaviors by simply observing adults interacting with the doll. The key aspect here is that the observed behaviors can have consequences, influencing the observer's future actions based on the outcomes experienced by the model.

Reciprocal determinism, while related, refers to the interplay of personal, behavioral, and environmental factors in shaping behavior, which is broader than just the influence of observation. Pavlovian conditioning specifically deals with learning through associations between stimuli, such as conditioning a dog to salivate at the sound of a bell. Operant conditioning involves learning through rewards and punishments and does not focus on observational cues. Thus, observational learning accurately captures the essence of learning by observing the consequences of others' actions.