Psychology Learning Concepts

Study Notes

Learning is a process that results in a relatively consistent change in behaviour or behaviour potential based on experience. This includes taking information, evaluating it, using it, and then making a response to the environment.
The difference between what has been learned and what is expressed (performed) overtly is called the learning-performance distinction.
Habituation is a basic form of learning where a stimulus no longer produces an action because it does not require attention due to repeated action.
Learning may occur but might not always be displayed in behaviour, and it is important to distinguish between what has been learned and what is expressed.
Classical conditioning is a basic form of learning where one stimulus predicts the occurrence of another through learned associations.
Ivan Pavlov, a Russian physiologist, observed learned associations during his research on digestion and was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1904 for his work.

Not all changes in behaviour are the result of learning. Only relatively permanent changes that are consistent over different occasions constitute learning.
Change in behaviour is not always immediately obvious. Learning requires experience and reference points, which can be acquired over time.
Not all learning is intentionally produced. Learning can occur unconsciously.
Not all things we learn actually change our behaviour or results of our learning. We may acquire knowledge without changing our actions or showing measurable consequences.

Classical conditioning is a form of learning that involves pairing a neutral stimulus with a biologically significant stimulus, allowing the neutral stimulus to elicit a response.
Reflex is a simple, unlearned response to a stimulus.
Stimulus is an environmental condition that elicits a response.

Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS): A stimulus that naturally elicits a behavior.
Unconditioned Response (UCR): The behavior elicited by the UCS.
Conditioned Stimulus (CS): A neutral stimulus that acquires the ability to elicit a behavior after association with the UCS.
Conditioned Response (CR): The behavior elicited by the CS.

Acquisition: The process of learning an association between the CS and UCS, leading to the gradual development of the CR over repeated trials.
Extinction: The weakening of the CR through the absence of pairing the CS and the UCS.