Learning Theories and Definitions

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary factor that determines behavioral changes in children, such as crawling and standing?

Practice and observation

Heredity (correct)

Environment

Learning through experience

What is a key criterion for distinguishing learned behaviors from maturational changes?

Experience and environment (correct)

Duration of the change

Influence of genetics

Age of the individual

What is true about the relationship between genetics and language acquisition in children?

Environment has no influence on language acquisition

Genetics is the primary determinant of language acquisition

Genetics plays a minor role in language acquisition

Genetics provides a foundation, but environment influences language achievements (correct)

Why do researchers disagree on the duration of changes required for learning to occur?

Researchers have different criteria for what constitutes learning Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why changes of brief duration do not qualify as learning?

They are not stable over time Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for children to develop normally in terms of language and movement?

A responsive environment that allows expression Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why there is no one definition of learning that is universally accepted?

Different theorists, researchers, and practitioners hold different views on the causes, processes, and consequences of learning. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of change in the context of learning?

It is a central ingredient of learning. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the statement 'learning is inferential'?

It means that learning is demonstrated based on what people say, write, and do. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why temporary behavioral changes are excluded from the definition of learning?

They are not enduring over time. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the statement 'learning endures over time'?

It means that learning is an enduring change that can be influenced by experience. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between learning and capacity to behave in a given fashion?

Learning involves a changed capacity to behave in a given fashion. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary way in which learning occurs?

Through practice or other forms of experience. Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of the fact that learning may not last forever?

Forgetting can occur over time. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Criteria of Learning

Learning involves an enduring change in behavior or in the capacity to behave in a given fashion.
This change is a central ingredient of learning and results from practice or other forms of experience.
Learning is inferential, meaning it is demonstrated based on what people say, write, and do, rather than being directly observable.

Enduring Change

Change is a key aspect of learning, as people become capable of doing something differently as a result of learning.
Learning can involve a changed capacity to behave in a given fashion, even if the behavior is not demonstrated at the time of learning.
This changed capacity can include skills, knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors.

Duration of Learning

Learning endures over time, excluding temporary behavioral changes brought about by factors such as drugs, alcohol, and fatigue.
Temporary changes are reversible, as the behavior returns to its original state when the cause is removed.
While learning is enduring, it may not last forever, as forgetting can occur.

Experience and Learning

Learning occurs through experience, such as practice, thinking, and observation of others.
This criterion excludes behavioral changes primarily determined by heredity, such as maturational changes in children.
Although the distinction between maturation and learning is not always clear-cut, experience plays a significant role in shaping behavior.

Interaction Between Maturation and Learning

Genetic predisposition can influence behavior, but the actual development of behaviors depends on the environment.
Language acquisition is a good example of this interaction, as both maturation and learning play a role in the development of language skills.
Teaching and social interactions with others can exert a strong influence on children's language achievements and overall development.

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Description

This quiz explores the different views on learning, including its causes, processes, and consequences. It also delves into the various definitions of learning and their consistency with cognitive focus.