Early Learning Theory Flashcards
Key players in early learning theory
Hull, Pavlov, Tolman
Who used the natural history way of studying behaviour?
Darwin and Romanes
who used the physiological way of studying behaviour
Thorndike, Pavlov and watson (experimental, reflex)
Nervism
Pavlov’s work based on this. Idea that complex processes are controlled by the NS and we have nervous reflexes
Pavlov’s principle of stimulus substitution
the CS comes to play the role of the US - different saliva for different food US’s
Pavlov’s was a monolithic theory?
limitation: he had one theory: all learning based on conditional reflex.
Pavlov’s theory in terms of reinforcement?
WATSON - the food reinforces the salivating (operant conditioning) proved WRONG
HULL: homeostasis and behaviour
behaviour is extension of homeostatic system. biological need gives rise to drive which provides energy to behave. if the behaviour reduces the drive it reinforces the behaviour. LAW OF EFFECT. HULL-SPENCE S-R RFT THEORY
Edward tolman’s theory
all behaviour is goal directed (Purposive). not a monolithic theorist - not one clear theory. He accepted unobservables as long as they’re used properly
BF Skinner’s argument
behaviour is lawfully related to the environment only - pyschologists should stick to the empirical correlation between the S and R only
Who’s experiments showed voluntary behaviour
Skinner’s because the rat can press the lever as many times as they want. Thorndike’s puzzle box did not reflect the real world - animals have to be put back in.
Tolman’s intervening variable
we manipulate the inputs that impact this variable e.g. Thirst - then affects behaviour. The IV is not observable so is inferred from its effect on behaviour
Hull’s drive reduction theory
Hull thought Watson’s behaviourism approach was too simplistic - wanted a more general mechanistic theory for psychology using laws. Lack of homeostasis -> Drive etc. used mathematics.
hull-spence S-R Rft theory
combination of Thorndike’s reinforcers ‘stamping in’ the S-R and how the reinforcement which stamps in the association is a reduction of one of the drives. Claimed learning only occurs when there’s reinforcement
Who introduced the idea of expectancies in learning
Tolman - animals acquire expectancies in conditioning experiments. reinforcement isnt needed for learning it provides INCENTIVE to learn
