Learning Principles

Learning principles explain how we acquire new behaviors and knowledge. Key concepts include classical and operant conditioning, reinforcement, punishment, and observational learning. These ideas help us understand the processes behind behavior and the role of cognitive factors in learning.

1. Classical Conditioning

   • Involves learning through association between a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus.
   • Key figures: Ivan Pavlov, known for his experiments with dogs and salivation.
   • The process includes acquisition, extinction, spontaneous recovery, and generalization.
   • Conditioned responses can be involuntary and automatic.

2. Operant Conditioning

   • Focuses on how consequences shape behavior through reinforcement and punishment.
   • Key figure: B.F. Skinner, who used the Skinner box to study behavior.
   • Reinforcement increases the likelihood of a behavior, while punishment decreases it.
   • Involves concepts like schedules of reinforcement (fixed, variable, interval, ratio).

3. Reinforcement

   • Positive reinforcement adds a pleasant stimulus to increase behavior.
   • Negative reinforcement removes an unpleasant stimulus to increase behavior.
   • Can be immediate or delayed, affecting the strength of the behavior.
   • Reinforcement schedules can influence the persistence of behavior.

4. Punishment

   • Positive punishment adds an unpleasant stimulus to decrease behavior.
   • Negative punishment removes a pleasant stimulus to decrease behavior.
   • Can lead to negative side effects, such as fear or aggression.
   • Effectiveness depends on timing, consistency, and intensity.

5. Extinction

   • Occurs when a previously reinforced behavior is no longer reinforced, leading to a decrease in that behavior.
   • In classical conditioning, it involves the gradual weakening of the conditioned response.
   • Spontaneous recovery can occur, where the behavior reappears after a pause.
   • Important for understanding how behaviors can be unlearned.

6. Shaping

   • Involves reinforcing successive approximations of a desired behavior.
   • Useful for teaching complex behaviors that are not likely to occur spontaneously.
   • Requires clear criteria for what constitutes progress toward the final behavior.
   • Encourages gradual learning and builds confidence in the learner.

7. Observational Learning

   • Learning that occurs by watching others and imitating their behavior.
   • Key figure: Albert Bandura, known for the Bobo doll experiment.
   • Involves attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation.
   • Highlights the role of social context and modeling in learning.

8. Habituation

   • A decrease in response to a stimulus after repeated exposure.
   • Allows organisms to focus on more relevant stimuli in their environment.
   • Different from sensory adaptation, which is a physiological response.
   • Important for understanding how organisms filter out unnecessary information.

9. Latent Learning

   • Learning that occurs without immediate reinforcement and is not immediately reflected in behavior.
   • Key figure: Edward Tolman, who demonstrated this with rats in mazes.
   • Suggests that cognitive processes play a role in learning.
   • Can be revealed when a reward is introduced, showing that learning has taken place.

10. Cognitive Learning

    • Involves understanding, thinking, and mental processes in learning.
    • Emphasizes the role of internal thoughts and beliefs in shaping behavior.
    • Includes concepts like insight learning and problem-solving.
    • Challenges the behaviorist view by highlighting the importance of mental processes in learning.