Learning Theories and Types

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Questions and Answers

Which type of learning occurs when a behavior is changed due to the consequences of that behavior?

Operant Conditioning (correct)

Latent Learning

Observational Learning

Classical Conditioning

What is the function of sensory memory?

To retrieve stored information on demand

To store information for long periods

To process and encode information

To briefly retain impressions of sensory stimuli (correct)

Which of the following is an example of implicit memory?

Recollection of a past vacation

Reciting a poem from memory

Solving a math problem

Remembering how to ride a bicycle (correct)

What type of interference occurs when new information disrupts the retrieval of previously learned information?

Retroactive Interference Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes insight learning?

A sudden realization of a problem's solution Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines learning?

A relatively permanent change in behavior resulting from practice or experience. Signup and view all the answers

What type of learning focuses on the acquisition of verbal behavior?

Verbal Learning Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a type of long-term memory?

Episodic Memory Signup and view all the answers

Thorndike’s Laws of Learning primarily involve which aspect of learning?

Reinforcement and Practice Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of learning emphasizes the exact nature and speed of movements?

Motor Skill Learning Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of forgetting according to cognitive psychology?

Memory Storage Constraints Signup and view all the answers

Which cognitive ability is primarily required for problem-solving?

Reasoning Signup and view all the answers

Which memory process involves the conversion of information into a storable format?

Encoding Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of sensory memory?

To hold impressions of sensory information briefly Signup and view all the answers

How long does iconic memory typically retain visual information?

About a quarter of a second or more Signup and view all the answers

Which type of sensory memory is associated with auditory information?

Echoic memory Signup and view all the answers

What is the retention time for echoic memory?

3-4 seconds Signup and view all the answers

What happens to information in sensory memory as it is transferred to short-term memory?

The amount of information is reduced Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of haptic memory?

To hold touch sensations before transferring to short-term memory Signup and view all the answers

What does the law of effect state about behaviors followed by satisfying consequences?

They are more likely to be repeated. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Thorndike's influence on behaviorism?

His law of effect influenced B.F. Skinner's operant conditioning. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sensory memory types has been most extensively studied?

Echoic, iconic, and haptic memory Signup and view all the answers

What type of conditioning involves associating an innate reflex with a neutral stimulus?

Classical conditioning Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding sensory memory is true?

Sensory memory has the shortest retention time among memory types. Signup and view all the answers

In Pavlov's experiment, what was the initial response when the bell was rung?

The dog ignored the bell. Signup and view all the answers

What is one main reason why employees show up for work, according to the law of effect?

They receive monetary compensation. Signup and view all the answers

What did Ivan Pavlov win a Nobel Prize for?

His research on the digestive system. Signup and view all the answers

What is one key aspect of the law of effect regarding unfavorable consequences?

They lead to the extinction of the behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is an operant conditioning chamber commonly known as?

Skinner box Signup and view all the answers

What was the main contribution of Wolfgang Kohler to psychology?

He introduced insight learning. Signup and view all the answers

How did Sultan the chimpanzee initially attempt to reach the banana?

By trying to pull it closer with his hands. Signup and view all the answers

What is described as a 'sudden flash of idea' that assists in problem-solving?

Insight. Signup and view all the answers

What key element distinguishes insight learning from trial and error?

Perception of the whole situation. Signup and view all the answers

What does Kohler suggest is insufficient for solving complex problems?

Trial and error alone. Signup and view all the answers

What are some higher mental processes involved in insightful learning according to Kohler?

Thinking and reasoning. Signup and view all the answers

What does the experiment with Sultan demonstrate about learning methods?

Experiential knowledge is crucial for problem-solving. Signup and view all the answers

Why is 'insight' considered an intelligent way of learning?

It allows for a comprehensive understanding of the problem. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Learning

Definition: Any relatively permanent change in behavior that occurs due to practice or experience.
Key elements:
- Change in behavior (better or worse).
- Change occurs through practice or experience (not growth or maturation).
- Change must be relatively permanent (last a long time).
Types of learning:
- Verbal learning: Acquisition of verbal behavior, encompassing spoken and written language.
- Motor Skill: Emphasis on the precision and speed of movements, as well as outcomes. For example, walking, running, driving.
- Problem Solving: Higher-order learning requiring cognitive abilities like thinking, reasoning, and imagination.

Thorndike’s Laws of Learning

Law of Effect: Behaviors followed by satisfying consequences are more likely to be repeated, while behaviors followed by unpleasant consequences are less likely.

Methods of Learning

Conditioning: Process of associating a new stimulus with an existing response.
- Classical Conditioning: A stimulus that elicits an innate reflex becomes associated with a neutral stimulus, which then elicits the same response.
  - Pavlov's Experiment:
    - A bell (neutral stimulus) was paired with food (unconditioned stimulus) that elicited salivation (unconditioned response).
    - Eventually, the bell alone triggered salivation (conditioned response), demonstrating learned association.
- Operant Conditioning: Learning through consequences where behavior is strengthened or weakened depending on the consequences it produces.
  - Skinner's Experiment:
    - Animals learned to press a lever (behavior) to receive food (positive reinforcement), which increased the likelihood of repeated lever pressing.
    - Conversely, aversive consequences (punishment) decreased the likelihood of the behavior.
Observational Learning: Learning by observing others' behaviors and the consequences of those behaviors.
Insight Learning: Sudden understanding of a problem's solution, often involving a restructuring of the problem.
- Köhler's chimps:
  - A chimp named Sultan learned to use two sticks to retrieve a banana, demonstrating a sudden and insightful solution.
Latent Learning: Learning that occurs but is not immediately evident in behavior.
- Tolman's Rats:
  - Rats explored a maze without reward, but later, when offered a reward, they navigated more efficiently, suggesting they had learned the layout without explicit reinforcement.

Memory

Definition: The ability to store and retrieve information.
Process:
- Encoding: Processing and transforming information into a format suitable for storage.
- Storage: Maintaining encoded information over time.
- Retrieval: Accessing and retrieving stored information.

Stages of Memory

**Sensory Memory (Sensory Register): **Briefly holds sensory information from the environment.
- Types:
  - Iconic Memory: Visual information (lasts about ¼ second).
  - Echoic Memory: Auditory information (lasts about 3-4 seconds).
  - Haptic Memory: tactile information (lasts about a few seconds)
Short-Term Memory (Working Memory): Holds a limited amount of information for a short duration (typically 15-20 seconds).
- Capacity: 7 +/- 2 items (Miller's Law).
- Rehearsal: Mental repetition to maintain information in short-term memory.
Long-Term Memory: Stores information for an extended period, possibly indefinitely.
- Types:
  - Explicit (Declarative): Consciously recalled information.
    - Semantic Memory: General knowledge about the world (facts, concepts).
    - Episodic Memory: Personally experienced events and memories (autobiographical).
  - Implicit (Non-Declarative): Unconsciously learned and recalled information.
    - Procedural Memory: Skills and habits (riding a bike, tying shoes).

Forgetting

Causes:
- Decay: Information fades away over time due to lack of use or rehearsal.
- Interference: Competing information disrupts retrieval.
  - Retroactive Interference: New information interferes with recall of old information.
  - Proactive Interference: Old information interferes with recall of new information.
- Motivated Forgetting (Repression): Consciously or unconsciously pushing unwanted memories out of awareness.

Memory Improvement Techniques

Rehearsal: Repeating information to strengthen storage.
Chunking: Organizing information into meaningful units to enhance encoding.
Elaboration: Connecting information to existing knowledge and experiences to improve encoding.
Mnemonics: Using memory techniques to make information easier to encode and retrieve.

Sample Questions (for reference)

Explain the process of classical conditioning with an example.
Describe the principles of operant conditioning with examples.
Define memory and discuss different stages of memory in detail.
Explain in detail the different causes of forgetting.
Write a detailed note on memory improvement techniques.

Short Answer Questions (for reference)

Write short notes on:
- Types of learning.
- Stages of memory.
- Insight learning.
- Latent learning.
- Observational learning.
- Retroactive and Proactive interference.
- Causes of forgetting.
- Implicit/Explicit memory.

Very Short Answer Questions (for reference)

Mention the types of learning with one example each.
Define learning.
Write Thorndike’s law of learning.
Who gave the concept of Classical/Operant/Insight/Latent/Observational learning?
What are the functions of sensory memory?
Types of rehearsal.
Name two memory improvement techniques.

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Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of learning, including definitions, key elements, and various types such as verbal learning and motor skills. Understand Thorndike’s Laws of Learning, particularly the Law of Effect, and how conditioning plays a role in acquiring new behaviors. This quiz will deepen your comprehension of how learning occurs.