Principles of Learning: Classical and Operant Conditioning, and

Social Learning

Psychology I Mrs. Hart

Behaviorism and Learning

• Behaviorism is a theory of learning based on the idea that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning, and that these behaviors can be measured, trained, and changed.

• Only observable behaviors are studied, as thoughts, emotions, and moods are too subjective.

Behaviorism and Learning

• Learning is a permanent change in a behavioral tendency that results from experience.

• Conditioning occurs through interaction with the environment.

Classical Conditioning

• Discovered by Ivan Pavlov• Occurs though associations between an

environmental stimulus and a naturally occurring stimulus.

• Conducted experiments using dogs to test his theories.

Classical Conditioning: The Process

• Neutral stimulus• Unconditioned stimulus (US)• Unconditioned response (UR)• Conditioned stimulus (CS)• Conditioned response (CR)

Example

A young child who reaches out and touches a hot stove with a light on above it, is burned and cries. Afterwards, every time she sees the stove light on, she whimpers.

• NS:• US:• UR:• CS:• CR:

Example Answers

• NS: light on over the stove• US: hot stove with light on over it• UR: crying• CS: stove with light on over it• CR: whimpering

Principles of Classical Conditioning

• Acquisition – response happens gradually

• Generalization – response is similar to a range of similar stimuli

• Discrimination – response is different to similar stimuli

• Extinction – gradual disappearance of a conditioned response

• Spontaneous recovery – reappearance of a conditioned response to conditioned stimulus

Operant Conditioning• Theory put forth by B.F.

Skinner that explained how we acquire a range of learned behaviors exhibited each day.

• Type of learning that occurs through rewards and punishments for behavior.

• Association is made between a behavior and a specific consequence for the behavior.

• Uses reinforcement to teach or change desired behavior.

Reinforcement

• A stimulus, positive or negative, that follows a response and increases the likelihood the response is repeated.

Positive reinforcement Negative reinforcement

Schedule of Reinforcement• Continuous – reinforcer

is received each time a participant shows desired behavior.

• Partial – rewards are given for some responses, but not each response, every time.

fixed ratio schedule variable ratio schedule fixed interval schedule variable interval

schedule

Shaping• Calculated

reinforcement of behavior

• Rewards for old behavior discontinued as progress is made towards new desired behavior.

• Skinner’s experiments with rats (Skinner Box)

Chaining• Behavior chains are a part of almost

everything we do, eating, getting dressed, etc.

• Each “link” of a chain serves as a signal for the next step or action in the chain.

• Chaining is the reinforcement of successive elements of a behavior chain.

Social Learning

• Occurs when an individual observes and imitates the behavior of others.• Classified as either cognitive (latent or

learned helplessness) or modeling.

Cognitive Learning• Focuses on how information

obtained, processed, and organized

• Concerned with mental processes in learning.

• Latent learning: “hidden learning” that’s only obvious when a reward is offered.

• Learned helplessness: after several failed attempts at something, the belief that the situation is uncontrollable.

Modeling

• Copying what other’s are doing, although no real learning takes place (We see, so we do.)

• Imitation after watching someone do something, that the observer couldn’t do before.

• Disinhibition occurs when an observer sees a someone engage in a threatening activity without being punished, then engages in the same behavior his or herself.

Behavior Modification

• Application of learning principles to change someone’s actions and feelings.

• Modeling, operant conditioning, and classical conditioning are all used in behavior modification.