Learning
Soon You Will Be Able To...
- 1. explain how learned behaviors are different from instincts and reflexes
- 2. define learning
- 3. recognize and define 3 basic forms of learning
o 1. classical conditioning
o 2. operant conditioning
o 3. observational learning
- 4. explain how classical conditioning occurs
- 5. summarize the process of acquisition, extinction, spontaneous recovery, generalization, and
discrimination
What Is Learning?
Learning
- Learning: the process of acquiring new and relativity enduring information or behaviors
Overview
- Unlearned behaviors
o Reflexes
o Instincts
- Learned behaviors
o Associative learning
o Cognitive learning
Unlearned Behaviors
Reflexes: a motor or neutral reaction to a stimulus in the environment
Instincts: innate behaviors that are triggered by a broader range of events
, Learned Behaviors
- Associative: linking 2 events that occur close together
o Classical conditioning
o Operant conditioning
- Cognitive
o Observational
Associative Learning & Cognitive Learning
- Associative learning
o Classical conditioning: learning to link 2 stimuli in a way that helps us anticipate an event
to which we have a reaction
o Operant conditioning: changing behavior in response to consequences
- Cognitive learning: acquiring new behaviors and information through observation and
information, rather than by direct experience
Classical Conditioning
What Is Classical Conditioning?
- Classical conditioning: a process by which we learn to link 2 stimuli together and, consequently,
to anticipate events
Ivan Pavlov (1849-1936)
- Russian medical doctor
- Interested in digestion
o Studied dogs and their saliva
- Found something unexpected!
- Unintentionally discovered classical conditioning (CC)
Ivan Pavlov’s Study of Digestion
- Lab technicians would give dog food -> dog salivates
- Over time dogs began to salivate at the sight of lab technicians (before the food was even there)
Soon You Will Be Able To...
- 1. explain how learned behaviors are different from instincts and reflexes
- 2. define learning
- 3. recognize and define 3 basic forms of learning
o 1. classical conditioning
o 2. operant conditioning
o 3. observational learning
- 4. explain how classical conditioning occurs
- 5. summarize the process of acquisition, extinction, spontaneous recovery, generalization, and
discrimination
What Is Learning?
Learning
- Learning: the process of acquiring new and relativity enduring information or behaviors
Overview
- Unlearned behaviors
o Reflexes
o Instincts
- Learned behaviors
o Associative learning
o Cognitive learning
Unlearned Behaviors
Reflexes: a motor or neutral reaction to a stimulus in the environment
Instincts: innate behaviors that are triggered by a broader range of events
, Learned Behaviors
- Associative: linking 2 events that occur close together
o Classical conditioning
o Operant conditioning
- Cognitive
o Observational
Associative Learning & Cognitive Learning
- Associative learning
o Classical conditioning: learning to link 2 stimuli in a way that helps us anticipate an event
to which we have a reaction
o Operant conditioning: changing behavior in response to consequences
- Cognitive learning: acquiring new behaviors and information through observation and
information, rather than by direct experience
Classical Conditioning
What Is Classical Conditioning?
- Classical conditioning: a process by which we learn to link 2 stimuli together and, consequently,
to anticipate events
Ivan Pavlov (1849-1936)
- Russian medical doctor
- Interested in digestion
o Studied dogs and their saliva
- Found something unexpected!
- Unintentionally discovered classical conditioning (CC)
Ivan Pavlov’s Study of Digestion
- Lab technicians would give dog food -> dog salivates
- Over time dogs began to salivate at the sight of lab technicians (before the food was even there)
