Cognitive Learning Theory Lecture

Cognitive Learning Theory
What is Cognitive learning?
Cognitive Learning developed by theorist Edward C. Tolman, explains the way our brain processes and interprets information that we learn. The biological basis of cognitive learning style is grounded in brain theory. .("Different Cognitive Learning Styles," 2003-2013) It’s the relationship that occurs between two stimuli, but even though the stimulus is the same our brains react in different ways. However, each person process information at different rates. This type of learning style is basically defined as a personality aspect which affects attitudes, beliefs, and social communication. An example of Cognitive learning style can be how a person develops skills and familiarity, and how they establish and recall information. Some people need to picture the task before starting; others organize learning and teaching successively or casually and some work rapidly or purposefully.
Cognitive Learning: Latent Learning
Cognitive learning is internal and is broken down into thought processes. One important cognitive process is called latent learning. Latent literally means ‘hidden”, and occurs without any reinforcement, but is only demonstrated when some type of incentive is given for doing it. Basically, you learn thru shear repetitiveness. Unknowingly, our brain absorbs the information which is stored deep in our subconscious, and is only brought out when faced with a situation when the information is necessary. For example, say you car pool with someone to work every day, but she/he drives. Although you’re not driving you may still learn the route to your job, but have no reason to demonstrate your knowledge of this. However, if the person you car pool with gets ill you may need to drive yourself. By doing so, subconsciously you realize you’ve learned the same route that the usual driver would take, this is considered latent learning.
Cognitive Learning: Observational Learning
According to Albert Bandura and his colleagues, observational learning is also a major part of the learning process. Observational learning is just that, learning by observing what they see and then demonstrating it themselves. Basically, observational learning happens in a way that someone must notice something someone else is doing. Then record it in their mind, and finally imitate the actions. These actions may or may not happen again, and the choice to continue emulating these actions depends on the outcome. The intelligence level does determine whether someone is limited to or has the ability to mimic the person. Examples of this process would be someone observing someone tying their shoes and imitating it themselves with the reward of not tripping when they walk. Or perhaps, watching someone commit a crime and then getting punished for it shows the observer that imitating is not always ideal.
Because each person acquires diverse cognitive learning styles, it is not only challenging but perhaps impossible to reach every person in a particular way. Numerous researchers have made an effort to deliver ways in which the learning process can take effect. Individuals are affected by components in their surroundings like sound, light, and feelings as well as incentive, diligence, obligation and the need for organization. There are some sociological needs that can be challenging and also affect you like peers, certain groups and adults as well as physical desires, like perceptual fortes, aperture, time and freedom of movement.

References
Different Cognitive Learning Styles. (2003-2013). Retrieved from http://www.learningrx.com/different-cognitive-learning-styles-faq.htm
Feldman, R. S. (Ed.). (2011). Cognitive Approach to learning. Essentials of Understanding Psychology (9th ed., pp. 188-194). Retrieved from

Quiz 1. Cognitive learning theory uses reinforcement?
True or False

2. Who was the theorist behind Cognitive Learning?
A. Albert Bandura
B. Edward C. Tolman
C. Albert Einstein

3. What is Latent learning?
A. Learning by observing others
B. How we learn to remember things for long periods of time
C. Learning in which a new behavior is acquired but is not demonstrated until some incentive is provided

4. What is the process of observational learning?
A. Hands on experience
B. Observing others around you
C. Watching television all day

5. Why is cognitive learning theory important?
A. It helps you enhance your learning skills and thinking process.
B. It helps you learn to play soccer
6. Is the way our brain processes and interprets information that we learn part of Cognitive learning? True or False

7. Cognitive learning is external and is broken down into thought processes.
True or False

8. Who considered observational learning as a major part of the learning process?
A. Edward C. Tolman
B. Albert Bandura
C. Colleagues

9. The intelligence level does not determine whether someone is limited or has the ability to mimic the person.
True or False

10. Individuals are affected by components in their surroundings like
A. Sound, light, and feelings
B. Incentive, diligence, obligation
C. All of the above

Answer key
1. No
2. B
3. C
4. B
5. A.
6. True
7. False
8. B
9. False
10. D

References: Different Cognitive Learning Styles. (2003-2013). Retrieved from http://www.learningrx.com/different-cognitive-learning-styles-faq.htm Feldman, R