Tested the hypothesis that (a) symbolic coding of modeling stimuli enhances observational learning, and (b) different types of codes are differentially effective over time and with modeled responses varying in verbalizability. 72 male and female undergraduates observed a filmed model perform complex motor responses, each of which was described in concrete terms, reactivated imaginally, or coded in the form of summary labels which encompassed essential elements. Imaginal and summary label code groups achieved higher matching scores than the concrete verbal description group which exceeded the control group. The form of memory code did not interact with verbalizability, but summary labeling was superior for retention. In the delayed test of behavioral reproduction, the labeling group was able to perform more modeled behavior than the other treatment groups, which did not differ from each other. The influence of symbolic representation on modeling was further revealed by evidence of a significant relationship between retention of summary codes and delayed reproduction of modeled responses. (20 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)