Which term describes a scenario where a person learns a behavior through observation without a planned model?

The term that best describes a scenario where a person learns a behavior through observation without a planned model is incidental modeling. This process happens naturally and informally, often occurring in everyday situations where a learner observes others engaging in specific behaviors and then imitates those behaviors without any structured or intentional instruction.

Incidental modeling emphasizes the role of context and real-life interactions in the learning process. It allows individuals, particularly those in special education settings, to acquire skills and behaviors in an organic way, as they observe peers or adults in their environment. This method can be invaluable in building social skills or adaptive behaviors, as it encourages learning from genuine social interactions rather than through formalized teaching.

In contrast, other options suggest structured or intentional approaches to modeling, which do not apply to the situation described in the question.