LEARNING

Definition

A lasting change caused by experience

Types

Associative Learning is a change that occurs as the result of experiences that lead us to link two or more stimuli together. Non-associative Learning also involves change based on experience, but happens without a person connecting two or more different pieces of information.

Associative Learning

Most of the learning a student engages in is highly associative. For example - Course material involves connecting numerous concepts and facts to produce an overall picture of a certain subject. Two major types of associative learning are: Classical Conditioning Operant/Instrumental Conditioning.

Classical Conditioning

A form of associative learning whereby a neutral stimulus is paired with an unconditioned stimulus so that eventually the neutral stimulus predicts the unconditioned stimulus. Accidentally discovered, by a Russian physiologist named Ivan Pavlov. Unconditioned Stimulus (US) - a stimulus that on its own elicits a response.

Classical Conditioningcontd

Unconditioned Response (UR) - a physical response elicited by an unconditioned stimulus; it does not need to be learned. Conditioned Stimulus (CS) - a neutral stimulus that eventually elicits the same response as an unconditioned stimulus with which it has been paired. Conditioned Response (CR) - a physical response elicited by a conditioned stimulus; it is usually the same as the unconditioned response.

Classical Conditioningcontd

Classical Conditioningcontd
Extinction - reduction of a conditioned response after repeated presentations of the conditioned stimulus alone.
Phobia - an abnormal fear, often of a stimulus that is not inherently dangerous, that may arise as a result of fear conditioning.

Operant/Instrumental Conditioning

A form of associative learning whereby behaviour is modified depending on its consequences. Earliest laboratory studies of operant conditioning were conducted by psychologist, Edward Thorndike. He developed a theory called, law of effect. It states that behaviours leading to rewards are more likely to occur again, and behaviours producing unpleasantness are less likely to occur again.

Contd

Positive reinforcement is a reward - providing a motivating stimulus. Negative reinforcement involves removing an aversive stimulus. Positive punishment involves administering an unpleasant consequence for behaviour. Negative punishment takes away something pleasant.

Types of Reinforcers

Rats are trained to press levers to get access to food, water, or mates. These rewards are called primary reinforcers because they are intrinsically pleasurable; they are rewarding by their very nature. Most people work for money, not food. In this case, money is considered to be a secondary reinforcer, one that is associated with primary reinforcers.

Non-associative Learning

Learning that does not involve forming associations between stimuli. There are two major types of non-associative learning: habituation sensitization

Habituation

A form of non-associative learning whereby repeated presentation of a stimulus leads to a reduction in response Example Smell of freshly made vada on a train

Sensitization

A form of nonassociative learning whereby a strong stimulus results in an exaggerated response to the subsequent presentation of weaker stimuli.

Learning Disabilities

Learning Disability - a specific deficiency in one aspect of cognitive function while other aspects function normally. Dyscalculia - an inability to readily acquire information about mathematics. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - a disorder characterized by an inability to pay attention, accompanied by excessive activity. Dyslexia - a learning disability that involves deficits in learning to read and write.

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