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Understanding Learning: Key Concepts and Types 6.1
Jan 21, 2025
6.1 What Is Learning? - Psychology 2e | OpenStax
Learning Objectives
Differentiate learned behaviors from instincts and reflexes.
Define learning.
Understand three basic forms of learning: classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and observational learning.
Key Concepts
Instincts and Reflexes
Instincts
: Innate behaviors triggered by a broader range of events (e.g., maturation, seasonal changes).
Complex behaviors (e.g., migration, sexual activity).
Involve higher brain centers.
Reflexes
: Simple reactions to environmental stimuli.
Examples: knee-jerk reflex, pupil contraction in bright light.
Involve primitive centers of the CNS (e.g., spinal cord, medulla).
Both are unlearned behaviors aiding in adaptation.
Learning
Defined as a relatively permanent change in behavior/knowledge from experience.
Involves acquiring knowledge and skills through experience.
Requires a complex interaction of conscious and unconscious processes.
Associative Learning
Occurs when connections are made between stimuli or events.
Central to all three basic learning processes:
Classical Conditioning
:
Also known as Pavlovian conditioning.
Associating events (stimuli) that occur together (e.g., lightning and thunder).
Involves unconscious processes.
Operant Conditioning
:
Associating behaviors with consequences (reinforcement or punishment).
Examples: reward for sitting behavior in dogs (receiving treats).
Involves conscious processes.
Observational Learning (Modeling)
:
Learning by watching others and imitating.
Adds social and cognitive layers to basic associative processes.
Learning occurs without direct experience.
Role of Behaviorism
Behaviorism focuses on observable behaviors and their associations with environment stimuli.
These learning approaches are part of behaviorism but are not exhaustive of learning studies.
Other psychological domains like memory and cognition also contribute to learning understanding.
Integration of Cognition
Over time, cognition has increasingly been integrated into behaviorism.
Recognizes that behaviors are influenced by thought processes.
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