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.

Learn about classical conditioning and operant conditioning, two essential theories in behavioral learning. Understand the concepts of association, stimuli, and consequences of behavior.