Which of the following is an example of observational learning?

Observational learning refers to the process of acquiring new behaviors or knowledge by watching others perform them. This type of learning is significant as it allows individuals to learn without direct experience or reinforcement, which means they can acquire skills or knowledge simply by observing others.

The example of learning a dance by watching others perform it perfectly illustrates observational learning. In this scenario, an individual learns the movements and techniques involved in the dance by closely observing the actions of skilled dancers. This process utilizes cognitive functions where the observer notes and remembers the steps and rhythm, which they can then replicate themselves, demonstrating the key characteristic of observational learning.

Other choices do not embody the principles of observational learning. For instance, learning to ride a bike while reading a book involves direct experience and reading as a learning method rather than observing others. Similarly, solving a math problem with a calculator does not involve observing another individual demonstrating a skill or knowledge; it relies on the use of a tool to perform calculations. Finally, remembering a poem through repetition focuses on rote memorization rather than learning from the behavior of others, thereby lacking the observational component.