Learning Theory

Question 1

What is learning theory

Answer 1

A way of understanding principles based on
- systematic observation
- objective measurement
- statistical probability

Experiences in the environment affect changes in behaviour

Question 2

Classical conditioning

Answer 2

An existing bond between a stimulus in the environment and a physiological response

Ivan Pavlov’s salivation in dogs experiment

Question 3

Conditioned vs. Unconditioned stimulus

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Higher order conditioning

Answer 4

When multiple related stimuli produce a response

Question 5

Extinction

Answer 5

If a CS is presented on often enough without the UCS the CR will weaken until it disappears

Question 6

Spontaneous recovery

Answer 6

The easy recovery of a CR after extinction

Can also adapt response to condition changes

Question 7

Generalization

Answer 7

The same response will also be used with similar stimuli

Strength of response depends on the degree of similarity

Question 8

Discrimination

Answer 8

A response to a specific stimulus that is inhibited towards other similar stimuli

Question 9

Operant conditioning

Answer 9

Voluntary behaviours are shaped by consequences
Discovered by E. L. Thorndike

Question 10

Trial and error learning

Answer 10

Repeating attempts and making changes based on the outcome

Ex. Problem solving

Question 11

Law and effect

Answer 11

Responses that are rewarded become stronger
Responses not rewarded or punished become weaker

Question 12

Law and exercise

Answer 12

Reposition of a stimulus response connection leads to stronger connection, habits, routine, and becomes automatic

Question 13

Complex habit sequences

Answer 13

Chain reaction of stimulation and response

Ex. Morning routines

Question 14

Reinforcement

Answer 14

Any stimulus that increases repeating a response with two kinds of

Question 15

Positive vs negative reinforcement

Answer 15

Pos
- increases the rate of response when present

Neg
- increases rate of response when removed

Question 16

Shaping

Answer 16

A way of developing a new complex response

Question 17

Schedules of reinforcement

Answer 17

Frequency and regularity of reinforcement are given

Question 18

Continuous vs. Intermittent reinforcement

Answer 18

Cont
- schedule given reinforcements every time its done
- vulnerable to extinction

Inter
- sometimes not rewarded, sometimes rewarded
- strongest learning

Question 19

Punishment

Answer 19

Consequences that follow undesirable behaviour to discourage it

Question 20

Classical vs operant conditioning

Answer 20

Classical
- reflex from scratch
- influenced before
- internal response
- non-voluntary

Operant
- response happens first
- influenced after
- external response
- voluntary

Question 21

Social learning

Answer 21

How we learn from behaviours
What we observe
Children are like sponges
Against trial and error learning

Question 22

Observational/vicarious learning

Answer 22

Persons tendency to observe/imitate behaviours

Question 23

Model vs modeling

Answer 23

Model
- people being observed

Modeling
- process of learning by watching

Question 24

Bobo doll experiment

Answer 24

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

Question 25

Mirror neurons system

Answer 25

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

Question 26

Cognitive behaviourism

Answer 26

Validates that influence learning (internal representation of environment)
From experience, attention, emotional state, motivation biologically biased
Edward Tolman

Question 27

Intervening

Answer 27

Experimental processes that influence learning between stimulus and response

Question 28

Cognitive map

Answer 28

Internal mental representation of environment

Question 29

Six types of influences on behaviour

Answer 29

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

Question 30

Self efficacy

Answer 30

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

Question 31

Social cognitive theory

Answer 31

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