Describe the term "observational learning."

Observational learning refers to the process of learning behaviors, attitudes, and emotional responses by watching others rather than through direct experience or instruction. This concept is most famously associated with Albert Bandura's social learning theory, which emphasizes that individuals can acquire new behaviors simply by observing models — whether they are family members, peers, or media figures.

In the context of observational learning, individuals don't have to go through the trial-and-error phases themselves; instead, they can learn vicariously by observing the consequences of others' actions. For example, if a child sees a sibling receiving praise for completing their homework, they might be motivated to complete their homework as well, having learned through observation that this behavior leads to positive reinforcement.

The other choices reflect different forms of learning that do not involve the key element of observing others. Direct teaching, self-reflection, and formal educational settings involve different mechanisms of knowledge transmission that are not the primary feature of observational learning. Hence, the selected answer accurately captures the essence of this learning phenomenon.