A review of the literature indicates that modeling procedures have been found to be effective in teaching a variety of generalized language rules, abstract concepts or principles, Piagetian conservation responses, problem-solving strategies, and creative responses. Conceptions of observational learning based on simple mimicry or exact copying appear inadequate, underestimating the potential scope of modeling influences. O responding during modeling performances generally interferes with acquisition, except when producing more viable mediation responses (e.g., terser covert coding of the phenomena witnessed). It is suggested that concept attainment and utilization depend not only on the abstract information available, but on the person's judgments about what his social environment wishes him to manifest. (69 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)