learning theories

Question 1

learning theories

Answer 1

• focus on continuity in development
• no qualitatively different developmental stages
• interest in specific mechanisms of change
  + e.g. reinforcement and observational learning
  + Different histories = individual differences
• Research, child welfare approaches are based on learning principles

Question 2

John B. Watson

Answer 2

• Conditioning
• Focus on kindly but objective, distant parenting: “Never hug and kiss them, never let them sit on your lap… Shake hands with them in the morning”

Question 3

B. F. Skinner

Answer 3

• Difficulties with intermittent reinforcement
• Informed behaviour modification therapies (e.g., parenting education programs)
• inconsistent reinforcement from parent then child will have a harder time changing that behaviour (i.e. more lenient sometimes and more harsh other times)

Question 4

Albert Bandura

Answer 4

• Human learning is inherently social in nature
• Based on observation of the behavior of other people
  e.g. bobo doll study
• more likely to mimic behaviour from same sex actor
• more likely to not act aggressively if actor is punished for behaviour
• boys more aggressive

Question 5

Observational learning (cognitive processes)

Answer 5

• Attention
• Encoding
• Storing
• Retrieving

Question 6

reciprocal determinism

Answer 6

bidirectional child–environment influences

Question 7

current perspectives

Answer 7

• Allowed for testing of predictions, particularly on parenting (praise vs model positive behaviour)
• Practical applications in therapy

limitations
- Lack of biological influences
- Minimize impact of perceptual, motor, cognitive, and language development