Innate vs. Learned Behaviors

Innate Behaviors (Instincts)

Definition

• Innate Behaviors: Performed correctly without prior experience when responding to a stimulus. Also known as instincts.
• Examples: Reflexes, taxis, kinesis.

Types of Innate Behaviors

Simple Innate Behaviors

1. Reflexes

   • Example: Squinting or blinking when a bright light is shone in your eyes.
   • Characteristics: Automatic and natural responses.

2. Taxis

   • Definition: Purposeful movement towards or away from a stimulus.
   • Example: Bugs flying toward a candle flame.

3. Kinesis

   • Definition: Random movement in response to a stimulus, without a specific direction.
   • Example: Rats scurrying randomly when exposed to a light.

Complex Innate Behaviors

1. Fixed Action Patterns

   • Example: Bird mating dances.
   • Characteristics: Ingrained complex behaviors.

2. Migration

   • Example: Birds flying south for the winter.
   • Characteristics: Seasonal and instinctual movements.

3. Circadian Rhythms

   • Definition: Biological clock regulating sleep-wake cycles.
   • Example: Birds waking up early to sing.

Learned Behaviors

Definition

• Learned Behaviors: Acquired through experience and practice.

Types of Learned Behaviors

1. Habituation

   • Example: Ignoring the sound of a fire alarm after repeated exposure.
   • Characteristics: Decreased response to a repeated stimulus.

2. Classical Conditioning

   • Definition: Associating one stimulus with another to produce a response.
   • Example: Associating a fire alarm with the fear response of a fire.

3. Operant Conditioning

   • Definition: Learning through consequences that increase or decrease behavior.
   • Example: Staying inside despite a fire alarm due to past experiences of not getting in trouble.

4. Insight Learning

   • Definition: Sudden realization or solution to a problem ("aha moment").
   • Example: Solving a difficult math problem using previously learned skills.

Summary

• Simple Innate Behaviors: Think of reflexes to a spotlight.
• Complex Innate Behaviors: Think of instinctual patterns in birds.
• Learned Behaviors: Avoid burning popcorn through experience.