Psychology Chapter on Learning Theories

Learning: Classical and Operant Conditioning

• Learning is the process of acquiring new and lasting information or behaviors.
• Learning involves a lasting change, not just a reflexive reaction. A crucial component is the mental process involved in obtaining and maintaining the learned information.
• Learning effects on behavior: We learn new behaviors by observing events and others. Learning influences behavior more than instincts. Learning represents an evolutionary advancement.
• Learning by Association: Our minds constantly search for patterns in what we see. We evaluate stimuli to form responses. Learning can also occur indirectly - by observing and using language to learn from the experiences of others.
• Types of Learning:
  • Simple Learning: Includes habituation (decreasing response to repeated stimuli) and mere exposure effect (a preference for previously encountered stimuli).
  • Complex Learning: Includes classical and operant conditioning, both described in terms of stimuli and responses.
    • Stimulus: Any event or situation that evokes a response.

Classical Conditioning

• Ivan Pavlov (1849-1936) was a key contributor to the study of learning.
• Classical Conditioning: A form of learning where a previously neutral stimulus is associated with a neutral stimulus that elicits a reflexive response. Repeated pairings cause the neutral stimulus to trigger that response. Through repetition, this response is expected.
• Example of Classical Conditioning: Lightning (stimulus 1) is followed by thunder (stimulus 2). The response is a startled reaction/wincing. After repeated pairings, the mere sight of lightning (stimulus 1) evokes the anticipation of thunder and a response of wincing (conditioned response).
• Components of Classical Conditioning:
  • Neutral Stimulus (NS): A stimulus producing no response prior to learning.
  • Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS): A stimulus naturally producing an unconditioned response (UR).
  • Unconditioned Response (UCR): The natural response to the UCS.
  • Conditioned Stimulus (CS): The previously neutral stimulus that, after association, now triggers a conditioned response (CR)
  • Conditioned Response (CR): The learned response to the CS.

Pavlov's Experiment

• Pavlov's experiment involved dogs, food, and a bell. A neutral sound of a bell (NS) had no effect. When the bell was rung (NS) and then food was offered (UCS) to the dog repeatedly, eventually, the ringing of the bell (CS) alone caused the dog to salivate (CR).

Operant Conditioning

• Operant Conditioning describes learning where the probability of a behavior changes due to its consequences (stimuli that follow the response):
• Hint: An operant is an observable behavior that an organism uses to interact with its environment.
• Effects of operant conditioning: Behaviors are strengthened by reinforcement and diminished by punishment.
• B.F. Skinner (1904-1990) was important for his work with ideas in behaviorism and his work with rats.
• Edward Thorndike's "Law of Effect": Behaviors followed by desirable consequences are likely to repeat, while behaviors followed by unfavorable consequences are less likely to repeat.

Reinforcement

• Reinforcement strengthens a response, making it more likely to happen again in the future.
  • Positive Reinforcement: Presenting a stimulus following a response, increasing the probability of the response repeating. Ex: Paying a student for good grades.
  • Negative Reinforcement: Removing a stimulus following a response, increasing the probability of the response repeating. Ex: Taking painkillers to relieve headaches.

Punishment

• Punishment weakens a response, making it less likely to happen again.
  • Positive Punishment: Presenting an undesirable stimulus following a response. Ex: getting a detention for misbehavior.
  • Negative Punishment: Removing a desirable stimulus following a response. Ex: Taking away a child’s toy as punishment

Classical vs Operant Conditioning

• Classical Conditioning: Focuses on involuntary responses.
• Operant Conditioning: Focuses on voluntary responses.

Test your understanding of classical and operant conditioning, as well as the principles of habituation and the mere exposure effect. This quiz covers key concepts and definitions in learning theories. Ideal for students studying psychology and seeking to reinforce their knowledge on these topics.