Behavioral Learning Theories

Behavioral Learning Theories

• Classical Conditioning:
  • Ivan Pavlov's theory: learning through association between stimuli
  • Unconditioned stimulus (UCS) + unconditioned response (UCR) → conditioned stimulus (CS) + conditioned response (CR)
• Operant Conditioning:
  • B.F. Skinner's theory: learning through consequences of behavior
  • Four types of operant conditioning:
    • Positive reinforcement: rewarding desirable behavior
    • Negative reinforcement: removing unpleasant stimulus
    • Punishment: introducing unpleasant stimulus
    • Extinction: ignoring undesired behavior

Cognitive Learning Theories

• Social Cognitive Theory:
  • Albert Bandura's theory: learning through observation and imitation
  • Observational learning: observing and imitating others' behavior
• Cognitive Development Theory:
  • Jean Piaget's theory: learning through active construction of knowledge
  • Four stages of cognitive development: sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational
• Information Processing Theory:
  • Learning as information processing: encoding, storage, and retrieval of information

Humanistic Learning Theories

• Humanistic Theory:
  • Carl Rogers' theory: learning through personal growth and self-actualization
  • Emphasis on subjective experience, personal values, and self-direction
• Experiential Learning Theory:
  • David Kolb's theory: learning through direct experience and reflection
  • Cycle of experiential learning: concrete experience, observation, reflection, and abstract conceptualization

Behavioral Learning Theories

• Classical Conditioning:
  • Ivan Pavlov discovered that animals can learn to associate neutral stimuli with naturally occurring stimuli to elicit an unconditioned response.
  • Key components: unconditioned stimulus (UCS), unconditioned response (UCR), conditioned stimulus (CS), and conditioned response (CR).
• Operant Conditioning:
  • B.F. Skinner's theory focuses on the consequences of behavior, such as rewards or punishments, to modify behavior.
  • Four types of operant conditioning:
    • Positive reinforcement: behavior is followed by a pleasing consequence, increasing the behavior.
    • Negative reinforcement: behavior is followed by the removal of an unpleasant stimulus, increasing the behavior.
    • Punishment: behavior is followed by an unpleasant consequence, decreasing the behavior.
    • Extinction: ignoring the behavior, leading to its decrease.

Cognitive Learning Theories

• Social Cognitive Theory:
  • Albert Bandura's theory emphasizes the role of observation, imitation, and reinforcement in learning.
  • Observational learning: observing others' behavior and imitating it, leading to new behaviors.
• Cognitive Development Theory:
  • Jean Piaget's theory proposes that people actively construct their own knowledge through experience and social interaction.
  • Four stages of cognitive development:
    • Sensorimotor (0-2 years): learning through senses and motor activities.
    • Preoperational (2-7 years): using symbols and language, but with egocentric thinking.
    • Concrete operational (7-11 years): understanding concrete objects and events, but not abstract concepts.
    • Formal operational (11+ years): reasoning abstractly and thinking logically.
• Information Processing Theory:
  • This theory views learning as a process of information encoding, storage, and retrieval.
  • Information is processed through three stages: sensory register, short-term memory, and long-term memory.

Humanistic Learning Theories

• Humanistic Theory:
  • Carl Rogers' theory focuses on personal growth, self-actualization, and subjective experience.
  • Emphasis on empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard in the learning environment.
• Experiential Learning Theory:
  • David Kolb's theory emphasizes the role of direct experience and reflection in the learning process.
  • The experiential learning cycle consists of: concrete experience, observation and reflection, and abstract conceptualization.