What term refers to the ability to actually perform the behavior observed?

The term that refers to the ability to actually perform the behavior observed is reproduction. This concept is significant in the context of learning theories, especially in Bandura’s Social Learning Theory, where individuals can learn behaviors by observing others.

Reproduction involves not just understanding how a behavior is carried out but also having the necessary skills and capabilities to enact that behavior in real-life situations. For instance, when a child observes a peer successfully tying their shoelaces, reproduction refers to the child’s capacity to take that observed behavior and apply it to their own shoelaces when the time comes.

In this context, retention deals with the ability to remember the behavior, attention involves focusing on the behavior during observation, and motivation pertains to the desire to perform the observed behavior. While these elements are all part of the learning process, reproduction specifically addresses the execution aspect, making it the correct choice in this scenario.