Major Types of Learning

The Learning Process 

Instructions:

After reading the required materials for this module, answer the following questions:

1. Explain the major types of learning.
2. Identify and explain the six (6) principles and applications of classical conditioning.
3. Compare classical conditioning and operant conditioning.
4. Distinguish between the concepts of reinforcement versus punishment.
5. Identify the principles of operant conditioning.
6. Explain in your own words the cognitive-social learning theory and how you can apply it.
7. Describe Bandura’s four (4) key factors in observational learning.
8. Contrast how our brain responds to reinforcement versus punishment.
9. Explain in your own words the concepts of retention, recovery, and learning.
10. What are the contributions of Pavlov and Watson to classical conditioning?

Be sure to review the academic expectations for your submission.

Submission Instructions:

• Submit your assignment by 11:59 PM Eastern on Sunday.
• Review the rubric to determine how your assignment will be graded.
• Your assignment will be run through TurnItIn to check for plagiarism.

1. Major Types of Learning: a. Classical Conditioning: This type of learning involves associating a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus to evoke a conditioned response. Ivan Pavlov’s experiments with dogs are a classic example. b. Operant Conditioning: This type involves learning through consequences of actions. Behaviors are reinforced or punished, leading to an increase or decrease in the likelihood of those behaviors occurring again. B.F. Skinner extensively studied operant conditioning. c. Observational Learning: This involves learning by observing others’ behaviors and the consequences of those behaviors. Albert Bandura’s work is central to this type of learning.
2. Principles and Applications of Classical Conditioning: Classical conditioning involves six key principles: a. Acquisition: The initial stage of learning where the neutral stimulus becomes associated with the unconditioned stimulus. b. Extinction: When the conditioned response decreases or disappears because the conditioned stimulus is no longer paired with the unconditioned stimulus. c. Spontaneous Recovery: The reappearance of a previously extinguished conditioned response after a period of rest. d. Stimulus Generalization: The tendency for stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus to evoke similar responses. e. Discrimination: Learning to distinguish between a conditioned stimulus and other stimuli that do not signal an unconditioned stimulus. f. Higher-Order Conditioning: When a conditioned stimulus is paired with a new neutral stimulus, creating a second (weaker) conditioned stimulus.
3. Comparison between Classical and Operant Conditioning: Classical conditioning involves associating stimuli, while operant conditioning involves associating behaviors with consequences. Classical conditioning focuses on automatic, reflexive responses, whereas operant conditioning focuses on voluntary behaviors.
4. Reinforcement vs. Punishment: Reinforcement involves increasing the likelihood of a behavior, either by presenting a desirable stimulus (positive reinforcement) or removing an aversive stimulus (negative reinforcement). Punishment involves decreasing the likelihood of a behavior, either by presenting an aversive stimulus (positive punishment) or removing a desirable stimulus (negative punishment).
5. Principles of Operant Conditioning: Key principles include reinforcement (both positive and negative) and punishment (both positive and negative), shaping, extinction, generalization, discrimination, and schedules of reinforcement.
6. Cognitive-Social Learning Theory: This theory, proposed by Albert Bandura, suggests that learning is influenced by cognitive factors such as expectations, beliefs, and observations of others. It emphasizes the importance of modeling and self-regulation in learning.
7. Bandura’s Four Key Factors in Observational Learning: Bandura identified attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation as key factors in observational learning. Attention involves actively focusing on the model’s behavior, retention involves remembering what was observed, reproduction involves being able to replicate the behavior, and motivation involves the desire or incentive to imitate the behavior.
8. Brain Response to Reinforcement vs. Punishment: Reinforcement typically activates reward centers in the brain, such as the release of dopamine, which reinforces the behavior. Punishment, on the other hand, may activate regions associated with aversive stimuli, leading to avoidance behaviors.
9. Concepts of Retention, Recovery, and Learning: Retention refers to the ability to remember what has been learned. Recovery, in the context of classical conditioning, refers to the reappearance of a conditioned response after extinction. Learning is the process of acquiring new knowledge or behaviors through experience.
10. Contributions of Pavlov and Watson to Classical Conditioning: Ivan Pavlov’s experiments with dogs laid the foundation for classical conditioning theory. He demonstrated that neutral stimuli could become conditioned stimuli through association with unconditioned stimuli. John B. Watson further expanded on this by applying classical conditioning principles to human behavior, emphasizing the importance of environmental factors in shaping behavior.