Learning and Cognition
Running head: LEARNING AND COGNITION PAPER
Learning and Cognition Paper
LaTrice N. Weams
PSY/ 390
Esther Siler-Colbert, M.S., ABD
April 8, 2013
Learning and Cognition Paper
Examining the different concepts surrounded around learning and cognition and how they relate to each other will be the main focus of the paper. Giving a true definition of what learning really is and how behavior determines how someone learns will provide enlightenment on how learning can be achieved when being done according to one’s learning abilities and cognition.
What is the definition of learning? What role does behavior play in learning?
Learning can be easily described as a combination of “comprehension,” “knowledge,” or “understanding” which has been put together to gain a complete understanding of what is being understood. However, in psychology Gregory A. Kimble (1917–2006), defines learning as a relatively permanent change in behavioral potentiality that occurs as a result of reinforced practice (Kimble, 1961, p. 6). Kimble’s definition includes 5 important aspects being: (1) an observable behavior, (2) a semi-permanent change in one’s behavior, (3) the change in behavior does not need to be immediate, (4) experience or practice comes after the learned behavior, and (5) the aforementioned experience or practice needs to be reinforced. The behavior of constantly trying a concept multiple times until the desired level of achievement has been achieved is how learning is done. Since it is hard to show a tangible depiction of what learning is actively B. F. Skinner decided to make a box into which he put animals and was able to physically observe what learning was from watching the animals an action.
What are two different types of learning? Describe each one in your response.
The two different types of learning are instrumental and classical conditioning. Conditioning is a term that can be used as a descriptive measure for learning; there are two types of conditioning;
Learning and Cognition Paper
LaTrice N. Weams
PSY/ 390
Esther Siler-Colbert, M.S., ABD
April 8, 2013
Learning and Cognition Paper
Examining the different concepts surrounded around learning and cognition and how they relate to each other will be the main focus of the paper. Giving a true definition of what learning really is and how behavior determines how someone learns will provide enlightenment on how learning can be achieved when being done according to one’s learning abilities and cognition.
What is the definition of learning? What role does behavior play in learning?
Learning can be easily described as a combination of “comprehension,” “knowledge,” or “understanding” which has been put together to gain a complete understanding of what is being understood. However, in psychology Gregory A. Kimble (1917–2006), defines learning as a relatively permanent change in behavioral potentiality that occurs as a result of reinforced practice (Kimble, 1961, p. 6). Kimble’s definition includes 5 important aspects being: (1) an observable behavior, (2) a semi-permanent change in one’s behavior, (3) the change in behavior does not need to be immediate, (4) experience or practice comes after the learned behavior, and (5) the aforementioned experience or practice needs to be reinforced. The behavior of constantly trying a concept multiple times until the desired level of achievement has been achieved is how learning is done. Since it is hard to show a tangible depiction of what learning is actively B. F. Skinner decided to make a box into which he put animals and was able to physically observe what learning was from watching the animals an action.
What are two different types of learning? Describe each one in your response.
The two different types of learning are instrumental and classical conditioning. Conditioning is a term that can be used as a descriptive measure for learning; there are two types of conditioning;