DEFINITION OF LEARNING
Learning is defined as “any Relatively permanent change in behaviour that occurs as a result of practice and experience “. This definition has three important elements :
a. learning is a change in behaviour either better or worse .
b. Its a change that takes place through practice or experience , but changes due to growtth or maturation are not learning.
c. this change in behaviour must be relatively permanent , and it must last a fairly long time .
In psychology, learning is a fundamental concept that refers to a relatively permanent change in behavior or mental processes resulting from experiences or practice. It is a process through which individuals acquire new knowledge, skills, attitudes, or behaviors, and it plays a crucial role in shaping human behavior. Do you want to know that what is the symtomps of OCD?
FIVE BASIC LEARNING PROCESS
1 PERSONAL ADAPTATATION
2 HABITUATION
3 ASSOCIATION
4 REINFORECEMENT / REWARD
5 IMMITATION
UNDERSTANDING OCD Symptoms, Types, and Treatment Strategies
TYPES OF LEARNING IN PSYCHOLOGY
THEORIES OF LEARNING
A coherent framework of integrated constructs and principle that describe , explain or predict how people learn is called Learning theory . It provide information and techniques to guide teaching and learning . It can be employed individually or in combination . It can be applied in a variety of settings asa well as for personal growth and interpersonal relations.
CLASSICAL CONDITIONG
Proposed by Ivan Pavlov, classical conditioning is a type of learning in which an organism comes to associate two stimuli, one that naturally elicits a response and one that initially does not. Over time, the neutral stimulus comes to evoke the same response.
Classical conditioning is a type of learning that was first systematically studied by Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov. It involves the association of a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus to evoke a conditioned response. The process of classical conditioning can be understood through the following key terms:
Unconditioned Stimulus (US): This is a stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response without prior learning. For example, in Pavlov’s famous experiments with dogs, food was an unconditioned stimulus because it naturally elicited salivation.
Unconditioned Response (UR): This is the automatic and unlearned response that occurs in reaction to the unconditioned stimulus. In Pavlov’s experiments, salivation was the unconditioned response to the presentation of food.
Conditioned Stimulus (CS): Initially, this is a neutral stimulus that, through repeated pairings with an unconditioned stimulus, comes to elicit a conditioned response. In Pavlov’s experiments, a bell was initially a neutral stimulus, but after being paired with the presentation of food, it became a conditioned stimulus capable of eliciting salivation.
Conditioned Response (CR): This is the learned response that occurs in reaction to the conditioned stimulus. In Pavlov’s experiments, salivation in response to the bell (now the conditioned stimulus) is an example of a conditioned response.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of classical conditioning:
Before Conditioning:
Unconditioned Stimulus (US) → Unconditioned Response (UR)
Example: Food (US) → Salivation (UR)
During Conditioning:
Neutral Stimulus (NS) + Unconditioned Stimulus (US) → Unconditioned Response (UR)
Example: Bell (NS) + Food (US) → Salivation (UR)
After Conditioning:
Conditioned Stimulus (CS) → Conditioned Response (CR)
Example: Bell (CS) → Salivation (CR)
Over repeated pairings, the neutral stimulus (bell) becomes a conditioned stimulus capable of eliciting the conditioned response (salivation) even in the absence of the unconditioned stimulus (food). This process of classical conditioning has significant implications in understanding how associations between stimuli and responses contribute to learning and behavior. It’s important to note that classical conditioning is not limited to salivation in dogs; it applies to a wide range of behaviors and responses in various organisms, including humans.
PRINCIPLES OF CLASSICAL CONDITIONING
THERE ARE FIVE PRICIPLES OF CLASSICAL CONDITIONING
1 ACQUISITION
The stage of classical conditioning in which the stimulus under observation starts generating a response similar to the unconditioned response is called acquisition . This is the initial stage of learning in which responses are established and then strengthened as a result of repeated presentation or experiments.
2 EXTINCTION
If we present conditioned stimulus (cs) without the unconditioned stimulus multiple times , the conditioned response starts decreasing till it disappears. This phenomenon is called Extinction of a response.
3 SPONTANIOUS RECOVERY
A stage of classical conditioning in which a conditioned response , which has been extinguished earlier , reemerges after a long break is called SPONTANIOUS recovery . For eg of a person who has quitted smoking . when in gathering he sees people smoking , he feels as if he us smoking .
4 STIMULUS GENERALISATION
Generalization occurs when stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus (CS) also elicit the conditioned response (CR). For example, if a dog has been conditioned to salivate to a specific tone, it may also salivate to a similar tone.
5 DISCRIMINTATION
Discrimination is the ability to distinguish between a conditioned stimulus (CS) and other stimuli that do not signal the presence of the unconditioned stimulus (US). It involves learning to respond selectively to specific stimuli.
APPLICATIONS OF CLASSICAL CONDITIONONG
Classical conditioning has various applications in different fields, ranging from psychology and education to marketing and therapy. Here are some notable applications:
Therapeutic Interventions:
Classical conditioning principles are applied in therapeutic settings, particularly in behavior therapy. For example, systematic desensitization is a therapeutic technique used to treat phobias. It involves pairing a feared stimulus with a relaxation response, gradually reducing anxiety associated with the feared object or situation.
Advertising and Marketing:
Marketers often use classical conditioning principles to create associations between products and positive emotions or experiences. Through repeated pairings, a brand or product becomes a conditioned stimulus associated with the positive unconditioned response. Jingles, logos, and other brand elements are designed to elicit positive responses from consumers.
Education:
Classical conditioning principles can be applied in the classroom to enhance learning experiences. For example, a teacher might use a specific signal or cue (conditioned stimulus) associated with positive reinforcement (unconditioned stimulus) to create a positive learning environment.
Phobia Treatment:
Systematic desensitization, based on classical conditioning, is used to treat phobias by exposing individuals to feared stimuli in a controlled and gradual manner. Over time, the fear response (conditioned response) weakens as the association with anxiety (unconditioned response) is reduced.
Taste Aversion:
Classical conditioning is involved in the development of taste aversions. If a person becomes ill after consuming a particular food, they may develop an aversion to that food in the future. The taste (conditioned stimulus) becomes associated with the illness (unconditioned stimulus), leading to a conditioned response of aversion.
Emotional Responses:
Emotional responses can be influenced by classical conditioning. For example, a song played during a romantic moment may become a conditioned stimulus associated with positive emotions. In the future, hearing that song may evoke the same positive emotions.
Medical Procedures:
Classical conditioning principles are applied in medical contexts to reduce anxiety and discomfort associated with certain procedures. By pairing a neutral stimulus (e.g., a calming visual or sound) with a less pleasant experience, patients may develop a conditioned response of reduced anxiety when exposed to the neutral stimulus alone.
Drug Tolerance:
Classical conditioning plays a role in drug tolerance. Over time, drug users may develop a tolerance to the effects of a drug in specific environments or contexts (conditioned stimuli). This can lead to an increased likelihood of overdose when the drug is taken in a novel environment.
Understanding classical conditioning allows professionals in various fields to leverage these principles for positive outcomes, whether it be in education, therapy, marketing, or other applications.
OBSERVATIONAL LEARNING
Observational learning, also known as social learning or modeling, is a type of learning that occurs through observing the behaviors of others. This concept was extensively studied by Canadian psychologist Albert Bandura, who proposed the Social Learning Theory. Here is an overview of observational learning, its principles, and Bandura’s famous experiment:
Introduction to Observational Learning:
Observational learning is a cognitive process in which individuals acquire new behaviors or information by watching the actions and experiences of others. It involves the modeling of behavior, where individuals imitate or mimic the actions of a model. This type of learning occurs without direct reinforcement or punishment but is influenced by the consequences that the observed behaviors have on the model.
Principles of Observational Learning:
Attention: To learn through observation, individuals must pay attention to the model and the details of the behavior being demonstrated. Factors such as the model’s characteristics, the complexity of the behavior, and the context can influence attention.
Retention: After paying attention to the model, individuals must be able to retain or remember the observed behavior. This involves encoding the information into memory for later retrieval.
Reproduction: Reproduction refers to the ability to reproduce or imitate the observed behavior. This requires individuals to have the necessary physical and cognitive capabilities to perform the behavior.
Motivation: Motivation plays a crucial role in observational learning. Individuals are more likely to imitate a behavior if they perceive the model as competent, if the behavior is associated with positive consequences, or if they expect reinforcement for performing the behavior.
Reinforcement and Punishment: While direct reinforcement or punishment is not necessary for observational learning to occur, the consequences of the observed behavior can still influence the likelihood of imitation. If a behavior results in positive outcomes for the model, it may increase the likelihood of the observer imitating that behavior.
Bandura’s Bobo Doll Experiment
Albert Bandura conducted a series of experiments, most notably the Bobo Doll Experiment, to demonstrate the principles of observational learning. In this experiment:
Children observed an adult model behaving aggressively toward a Bobo doll, which included hitting, kicking, and verbally aggressive actions.
The children were then placed in a room with toys, including a Bobo doll. The researchers observed how the children interacted with the Bobo doll.
Children who had observed aggressive behavior toward the Bobo doll were more likely to replicate similar aggressive behaviors during their playtime with the doll, compared to children who had not witnessed such behavior.
This experiment demonstrated that observational learning can influence aggressive behaviors, and it highlighted the importance of modeling and the role of consequences in shaping behavior.
Bandura’s research contributed significantly to our understanding of how observational learning occurs and the factors that influence the likelihood of imitation. The Social Learning Theory emphasizes the importance of cognitive processes, such as attention, memory, and motivation, in the acquisition of new behaviors through observation.
APPLICATIONS OF OBSERVATIONAL LEARNING
Observational learning has several applications across various domains, influencing behavior, education, therapy, and more. Here are some notable applications:
Education:
Classroom Learning: Observational learning is employed in education to facilitate the learning of complex tasks or behaviors. Teachers can model desired behaviors or problem-solving strategies, providing students with examples to observe and imitate.
Behavioral Therapy:
Modeling and Imitation: In therapeutic settings, behavioral therapists often use observational learning to help individuals acquire new, adaptive behaviors. Through modeling, individuals can observe and imitate healthier ways of coping with stress, managing emotions, or dealing with interpersonal relationships.
Parenting and Child Development:
Parenting Techniques: Parents can use observational learning to teach their children various skills and behaviors. By modeling positive behaviors and providing a supportive environment, parents can encourage the development of social, emotional, and cognitive skills.
Professional Training:
Skill Acquisition: In professional settings, observational learning is often used for skill acquisition. New employees may observe and learn from experienced colleagues, enhancing their understanding of job tasks, procedures, and organizational culture.
Health Promotion:
Health Behavior Changes: Observational learning is applied in health education and promotion. For example, individuals may be more likely to adopt healthy behaviors, such as exercise routines or dietary habits, if they observe positive role models who demonstrate and discuss these behaviors.
Advertising and Marketing:
Product Use Demonstrations: Marketers use observational learning principles in advertising by showcasing how to use a product effectively. Advertisements often feature individuals demonstrating the benefits and usage of a product, encouraging potential customers to imitate those actions.
Criminal Justice and Rehabilitation:
Behavior Modification Programs: In correctional and rehabilitation settings, observational learning principles are applied to behavior modification programs. Individuals can learn alternative, prosocial behaviors by observing positive role models and practicing new skills.
Sports Training:
Skill Development: Athletes often learn and refine their skills through observational learning. Watching skilled athletes perform specific techniques or strategies can enhance an athlete’s understanding and execution of those skills.
Cultural Transmission:
Social Norms and Traditions: Observational learning plays a crucial role in the transmission of cultural norms, traditions, and practices. Individuals learn societal expectations by observing the behaviors of others within their cultural context.
Online Learning Platforms:
Instructional Videos: With the rise of online learning, platforms use observational learning to provide instructional videos. Learners can watch demonstrations, tutorials, and lectures to acquire new knowledge and skills.
Observational learning remains a powerful tool for shaping behaviors and facilitating learning in diverse contexts. By understanding the principles of modeling and imitation, educators, therapists, and professionals can leverage observational learning to promote positive
FAQs based on LEARNING
What is learning in psychology?
Answer: Learning in psychology refers to a relatively permanent change in behavior or mental processes resulting from experiences or practice. It involves acquiring new knowledge, skills, attitudes, or behaviors through various mechanisms.
What are the different types of learning?
Answer: There are several types of learning in psychology, including classical conditioning, operant conditioning, observational learning, associative learning, and cognitive learning.
How does classical conditioning work?
Answer: Classical conditioning is a type of learning where a neutral stimulus comes to evoke a response after being paired with a stimulus that naturally evokes the response. Ivan Pavlov’s experiments with dogs, where a bell (neutral stimulus) was paired with food (unconditioned stimulus) to elicit salivation (conditioned response), are a classic example.
What is operant conditioning?
Answer: Operant conditioning is a form of learning in which behaviors are strengthened or weakened by the consequences that follow them. B.F. Skinner’s work emphasized the role of reinforcement and punishment in shaping behavior.
What is observational learning?
Answer: Observational learning, proposed by Albert Bandura, involves acquiring new behaviors or information by observing and imitating the actions of others. It does not require direct reinforcement but is influenced by the consequences of the observed behavior.
What are the principles of observational learning?
Answer: The principles of observational learning include attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation. Individuals must pay attention to the model, remember the observed behavior, be able to reproduce it, and be motivated to imitate the behavior.
How is learning applied in education?
Answer: Learning principles are applied in education through instructional strategies, curriculum design, and classroom management. Teachers use techniques like modeling, reinforcement, and feedback to facilitate student learning.
What is the role of reinforcement in learning?
Answer: Reinforcement is a key concept in learning that involves using rewards or punishments to strengthen or weaken a behavior. Positive reinforcement adds a desirable stimulus, while negative reinforcement involves removing an aversive stimulus.
How does learning occur in the brain?
Answer: Learning involves changes in neural connections and the formation of new synapses in the brain. Processes like long-term potentiation (LTP) are associated with the strengthening of neural pathways, contributing to learning and memory.
Can learning occur without reinforcement?
Answer: Yes, learning can occur without direct reinforcement. Observational learning, for example, does not require direct reinforcement or punishment but is influenced by the consequences of the observed behavior.changes and skill development.