Learning Theory Flashcards
What is learning theory
A way of understanding principles based on
- systematic observation
- objective measurement
- statistical probability
Experiences in the environment affect changes in behaviour
Classical conditioning
An existing bond between a stimulus in the environment and a physiological response
Ivan Pavlov’s salivation in dogs experiment
Conditioned vs. Unconditioned stimulus
Conditioned reflex - associating a response with an abnormal stimulus
Conditioned stimulus - individual is ‘trained’ to produce a response to stimulus
Unconditioned stimulus - naturally produces a reflexive response
Unconditioned response - the natural reflexive response
Neutral stimulus - elicits a response of interest
Higher order conditioning
When multiple related stimuli produce a response
Extinction
If a CS is presented on often enough without the UCS the CR will weaken until it disappears
Spontaneous recovery
The easy recovery of a CR after extinction
Can also adapt response to condition changes
Generalization
The same response will also be used with similar stimuli
Strength of response depends on the degree of similarity
Discrimination
A response to a specific stimulus that is inhibited towards other similar stimuli
Operant conditioning
Voluntary behaviours are shaped by consequences
Discovered by E. L. Thorndike
Trial and error learning
Repeating attempts and making changes based on the outcome
Ex. Problem solving
Law and effect
Responses that are rewarded become stronger
Responses not rewarded or punished become weaker
Law and exercise
Reposition of a stimulus response connection leads to stronger connection, habits, routine, and becomes automatic
Complex habit sequences
Chain reaction of stimulation and response
Ex. Morning routines
Reinforcement
Any stimulus that increases repeating a response with two kinds of
Positive vs negative reinforcement
Pos
- increases the rate of response when present
Neg
- increases rate of response when removed
Shaping
A way of developing a new complex response
Schedules of reinforcement
Frequency and regularity of reinforcement are given
Continuous vs. Intermittent reinforcement
Cont
- schedule given reinforcements every time its done
- vulnerable to extinction
Inter
- sometimes not rewarded, sometimes rewarded
- strongest learning
Punishment
Consequences that follow undesirable behaviour to discourage it
Classical vs operant conditioning
Classical
- reflex from scratch
- influenced before
- internal response
- non-voluntary
Operant
- response happens first
- influenced after
- external response
- voluntary
Social learning
How we learn from behaviours
What we observe
Children are like sponges
Against trial and error learning
Observational/vicarious learning
Persons tendency to observe/imitate behaviours
Model vs modeling
Model
- people being observed
Modeling
- process of learning by watching
Bobo doll experiment
3 groups of children acted depending on what the model adult did before them
Rewarded adults = more aggressive kids
Control = medium aggressive
Punished adults = non-aggressive kids
Mirror neurons system
3 areas
1. Gathering visual info
2. Recognize and process motor components
3. Processing goals of the action
Sensory and motor information leads to empathy and understanding
Cognitive behaviourism
Validates that influence learning (internal representation of environment)
From experience, attention, emotional state, motivation biologically biased
Edward Tolman
Intervening
Experimental processes that influence learning between stimulus and response
Cognitive map
Internal mental representation of environment
Six types of influences on behaviour
How people respond in situations
Walter Mischel
1. Encodings - constructs or schemes a person has of self, situations, or others
2. Expectancies and beliefs - cognitive assessments on our own ability, consequences and meaning
3. Affects - feelings and emotional reactions due to situations, anger, fear, arousal
4. Goals and values - relative importance someone holds on outcomes
5. Cognitive competencies - knowledge, skills, ability
6. Self regulatory plans - strategies to achieve goals, stress management techniques
Self efficacy
Sense of confidence that one can perform situation demands
1. Enactive attainment - using past accomplishments to access skills, give up if not easily achieved
2. Vicarious info - seeing someone similar succeed or fail sets our standards
3. Verbal persuasions- children are encouraged to do well in tasks (most effective in kids with established confidence
4. Physical state - body status can help determine how we feel about tasks
People’s ability to adapt depends on their self efficacy and confidence
Links to high success = high confidence
Social cognitive theory
Dynamic view of learning and behaviour, specifically how environment shapes us vs 3 factors:
1. Internal personal factors
2. Behavioural patterns of action
3. Environmental influences
