Overview of Learning Theories

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Questions and Answers

What is the term for a stimulus that naturally evokes a response without prior training?

Neutral stimulus

Unconditioned stimulus (correct)

Conditioned stimulus

Conditioned response

In Pavlov's experiment, what does the bell represent after conditioning?

Unconditioned stimulus

Neutral stimulus

Unconditioned response

Conditioned stimulus (correct)

What phase involves pairing the neutral stimulus with the unconditioned stimulus?

Conditioning phase (correct)

Response phase

Conditioned phase

Unconditioned phase

Which of the following best describes a conditioned response?

A learned response to a previously neutral stimulus Signup and view all the answers

What is the natural reaction to an unconditioned stimulus known as?

Unconditioned response Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following stimuli does not elicit an automatic response?

Neutral stimulus Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of positive reinforcement?

It increases a desired response. Signup and view all the answers

How does negative reinforcement operate?

By removing an adverse stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the pairing of stimuli in classical conditioning?

It leads to a learned association between the stimuli Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes positive punishment?

Presenting an aversive stimulus after a response. Signup and view all the answers

An example of classical conditioning in everyday life includes which of the following?

Associating a ringtone with a significant person Signup and view all the answers

What does negative punishment involve?

Removing a pleasant stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of negative reinforcement?

Ending a dispute to reach an agreement. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of constructivism in learning?

The active role of the learner in knowledge construction Signup and view all the answers

In Pavlov's experiments, what was the unconditioned stimulus?

The food Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the learned response to a conditioned stimulus in classical conditioning?

Conditioned response Signup and view all the answers

How did the bell become a conditioned stimulus in Pavlov's experiment?

It was presented with food multiple times Signup and view all the answers

What is an important aspect of the learning process according to Atkinson and Shiffrin?

Learning occurs through environmental input and memory processing Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of 'neutral stimulus' in Pavlov's classical conditioning?

A stimulus that does not induce a response initially Signup and view all the answers

Which learning theory emphasizes the construction of knowledge through experience?

Constructivism Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of learning may vary according to constructivist views?

The accuracy of knowledge representation Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes learning according to learning theories?

Learning is a relatively permanent change in behavior resulting from experience in the environment. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a category of learning theories?

Experiential learning theories Signup and view all the answers

What do behaviorist learning theories primarily focus on?

Observable and measurable aspects of human behavior Signup and view all the answers

Who is NOT recognized as a prominent behaviorist theorist?

Albert Bandura Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of human learning does maturation primarily focus on?

Natural growth and development not requiring experience Signup and view all the answers

In cognitive learning theories, how is the human learner conceptualized?

As a processor of information, similar to a computer Signup and view all the answers

What do behaviorists believe about learning new behaviors?

Unacceptable behaviors can be unlearned and replaced with acceptable ones. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes cognitive-information processing learning theories?

They regard the learner as an active processor of information. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of Cue Exposure Therapy?

To eliminate the desire for addictive substances Signup and view all the answers

What does stimulus generalization involve?

Responding to similar stimuli as if they are the same Signup and view all the answers

What happens during extinction in classical conditioning?

The conditioned stimulus is presented without the unconditioned stimulus Signup and view all the answers

In operant conditioning, what does reinforcement do?

Ensures that a behavior persists Signup and view all the answers

What exemplifies stimulus discrimination?

A dog only salivating to a specific bell sound Signup and view all the answers

What is spontaneous recovery?

The sudden reappearance of a learned response after extinction Signup and view all the answers

How did Skinner demonstrate operant conditioning?

Through a process of reinforcement while teaching animals new behaviors Signup and view all the answers

In aversion therapy, what is paired with unwanted behavior?

Unpleasant experiences Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a response in operant conditioning?

It is voluntary and emitted. Signup and view all the answers

What process in operant conditioning involves reinforcing successive approximations to a target behavior?

Shaping Signup and view all the answers

In operant conditioning, what is extinction?

The cessation of reinforcement for a behavior leading to its decline. Signup and view all the answers

What type of reinforcement directly satisfies a biological need?

Primary reinforcer Signup and view all the answers

How does negative reinforcement differ from punishment?

It removes a negative stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a patient is ignored for inappropriate use of hospital facilities?

The behavior is likely to extinguish. Signup and view all the answers

What can be observed when a new behavior is being shaped?

Gradual reinforcement leading to the desired behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Learning Theories Overview

Learning theories explain how individuals acquire, organize, and use skills and knowledge.
They combine principles from human memory, behavior, and learning to understand and predict human thought and action.
Educational psychologists and researchers have developed various theories over centuries.

Categories of Learning Theories

Learning theories are broadly grouped into three categories:
- Behaviorist learning theories
- Cognitive learning theories
- Cognitive-constructivist learning theories

1. Behaviorist Learning Theories

Behaviorism focuses on observable and measurable aspects of human behavior.
Behaviorist learning theories emphasize changes in behavior resulting from stimulus-response associations.
Behaviorists believe behaviors are learned habits and aim to explain how these habits form.
They assert only observable actions (not thoughts or emotions) are worthy of study.
They don't explain abnormal behavior in terms of brain function or internal processes.
Key figures include Edward Thorndike, Ivan Pavlov, John Watson, and B.F. Skinner.
Behaviorists believe that all behaviours can be learned and, if unacceptable, replaced with an acceptable behaviour.

2. Cognitive Learning Theories

Cognitive learning theories, often categorized as cognitive-information processing (CIP), view learners as processors of information.
Learning is seen as input from the environment, processing the information, storing it in memory, and output in the form of a learned capability, similar to how a computer functions.
Key figures: Atkinson and Shiffrin, Jean Piaget.

3. Cognitive-Constructivist Learning Theories

Constructivism is the belief that learners construct their own knowledge based on experience.
This approach emphasizes the active role of individual learners in building knowledge.
It highlights the importance of both social and personal experiences in the learning process.
The knowledge gained can vary in accuracy as a representation of reality.

Classical Conditioning (Ivan Pavlov)

Pavlov's theory is based on studying animal digestion.
Pavlov observed that dogs began to salivate in response to stimuli associated with food (e.g., a bell sound).
This process involved a neutral stimulus (e.g., bell) becoming a conditioned stimulus which triggers a conditioned response (e.g., salivation) after repeated pairings with an unconditioned stimulus (e.g., food).
Key Terms:
- Unconditioned Stimulus (US): Naturally triggers a response (food).
- Unconditioned Response (UR): Natural response to the US (salivation).
- Neutral Stimulus (NS): Initially doesn't trigger a response (bell).
- Conditioned Stimulus (CS): Previously neutral stimulus now triggers a response after association (bell).
- Conditioned Response (CR): Learned response to the CS (salivation).
Classical conditioning is also known as respondent conditioning

Implications of Classical Conditioning

Learned associations influence human behaviour.
Classical conditioning explains everyday phenomena such as emotional reactions, preferences, and phobias.
It has practical applications in various contexts like advertising, healthcare, and therapeutic approaches.

Operant Conditioning (B.F. Skinner)

Operant conditioning explores how consequences shape voluntary behaviors.
The key principle is that behaviors followed by desirable consequences are more likely to be repeated. Behaviors followed by undesirable consequences are less likely to be repeated.
Key concepts:
- Shaping: Gradual reinforcement of successive approximations toward a desired behavior.
- Positive reinforcement: Adding a stimulus to increase a behavior (e.g., praise).
- Negative reinforcement: Removing a stimulus to increase a behavior (e.g., removing chores).
- Positive punishment: Adding a stimulus to decrease a behavior (e.g., scolding).
- Negative punishment: Removing a stimulus to decrease a behavior (e.g., taking away privileges).

Operant Conditioning Processes and Procedures

Extinction: When a behavior is no longer reinforced, it gradually weakens and disappears.
Shaping: A process of reinforcing successive approximations towards a target behavior.

Forms of Reinforcement

Primary reinforcers satisfy biological needs (e.g., food, water, sex).
Secondary reinforcers are learned (e.g., praise, money).

Types of Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement: Adding a desirable stimulus.
Negative reinforcement: Removing an undesirable stimulus.

Punishment

Aims to decrease a behavior.
Positive punishment: Presenting an aversive stimulus.
Negative punishment: Removing a desirable stimulus.

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Description

This quiz explores various learning theories, focusing on how individuals acquire and utilize knowledge. It examines behaviorist, cognitive, and cognitive-constructivist approaches, highlighting their principles and implications in educational psychology. Test your understanding of these foundational concepts in learning.