Cognitive Learning Theory
Cognitive Learning Theory
Angela Baker
PSY 331
Mr. Domingo Mamaril
June 21, 2010
Cognitive Learning Theory Cognitive theorists try to explain human behavior by understanding how we process and store new information. The cognitive theories of learning originated from the gestalt theory. The three major contributors to the cognitive learning theories were Jean Piaget, Edward Tolman, and Albert Bandura. In this paper, I will evaluate the work of all three theorists, demonstrate an understanding of the theory, and explain how the theory can be applied to our current educational environment. The gestalt theory was founded by three men, Max Wertheimer, Wolfgang Kohlu, and Kurt Koffka. Wertheimer conducted several experiments, using a toy stroboscope, and came up with phi phenomenon. He believed that when our eyes see stimulants in certain ways we get the illusion of movement. They believed that we organized our visual images into groups when certain principles are applied. Gestalists believe that learning comes suddenly. Therefore we think about what it is going to take to solve a problem and put it all together until the problem is solved (Olsen & Hergenhahn, 2009). They believed that the learner gains insight on how to solve the problem. A good example for this would be learning to ride a bicycle. It may take several tries and a lot of time but once the learner has it, they have it. There are five laws that Gestalt psychologists developed on perception: (Soegaard, 2010) 1. Law of Proximity – objects that are close together form groups. 2. Law of Similarity – objects will be grouped together if they are similar. 3. Law of Pragnanz (figure-ground) – some objects will take a prominent role while others will fade into the background. 4. Law of Symmetry – we see items as symmetrical shapes. 5. Law of Closer – while seeing objects we will complete the object, even if it is not complete.
Many advertising companies use these laws when
Angela Baker
PSY 331
Mr. Domingo Mamaril
June 21, 2010
Cognitive Learning Theory Cognitive theorists try to explain human behavior by understanding how we process and store new information. The cognitive theories of learning originated from the gestalt theory. The three major contributors to the cognitive learning theories were Jean Piaget, Edward Tolman, and Albert Bandura. In this paper, I will evaluate the work of all three theorists, demonstrate an understanding of the theory, and explain how the theory can be applied to our current educational environment. The gestalt theory was founded by three men, Max Wertheimer, Wolfgang Kohlu, and Kurt Koffka. Wertheimer conducted several experiments, using a toy stroboscope, and came up with phi phenomenon. He believed that when our eyes see stimulants in certain ways we get the illusion of movement. They believed that we organized our visual images into groups when certain principles are applied. Gestalists believe that learning comes suddenly. Therefore we think about what it is going to take to solve a problem and put it all together until the problem is solved (Olsen & Hergenhahn, 2009). They believed that the learner gains insight on how to solve the problem. A good example for this would be learning to ride a bicycle. It may take several tries and a lot of time but once the learner has it, they have it. There are five laws that Gestalt psychologists developed on perception: (Soegaard, 2010) 1. Law of Proximity – objects that are close together form groups. 2. Law of Similarity – objects will be grouped together if they are similar. 3. Law of Pragnanz (figure-ground) – some objects will take a prominent role while others will fade into the background. 4. Law of Symmetry – we see items as symmetrical shapes. 5. Law of Closer – while seeing objects we will complete the object, even if it is not complete.
Many advertising companies use these laws when
References: Atherton, J.S., (2009). Learning and Teaching; Gestalt and learning [on-line] UK: Available Retrieved on June 13, 2010, from http://www.learningandteaching.info/learning/gestalt.htm Boeree, G.C., 2010. Albert Bandura. Retrieved on June 21, 2010, from http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/bandura.html Olson, M.H., & Hergenhahn, B.R., 2009, An Introduction to Theories of Learning (8th ed) Upper Saddle River, NJ Pearson Prentice Hall. Plucker, J.A. (ed), 2003 Human intelligence: Historical influences, current controversies, teaching resources Soegaard, Mads (2010). Gestalt principles of form perception. Retrieved June 13, 2010 from Interacion-Design.org: http://www.interaction-design.org/encyclopedia/gestalt_principles_of_form_preception.html VanderZwaag, Lora (1998). Edward c. Tolman Retrieved June 14, 2010 from http://www.muskingum.edu~psych/psycweb/history/tolman.htm