Grew up in small town in Alberta, attended high school with 2 teachers and 20 students. Most human behavior learned through observation, either intentionally or accidentally. We regulate and guide behavior by observing what others do, and what happens to them. Imitate the behavior they model.
Young children watch others perform task, then do it themselves.
Involves ability to anticipate and appreciate consequences observed in others, not experienced oneself. Actual schedule of reinforcement less important that what the person thinks or perceives it to be. Vicarious reinforcement represents a kind of self-reinforcement. In some cases reinforcement is a very inefficient way to change behavior. Time consuming and potentially dangerous.