Yvonne Santiago
January 21, 2015
PSY 383
Instructor Lippard
Cognitive and Behavioral Learning Theories
Behavioral and cognitive learning theories are two theories which seek to explain a human beings approach to learning. As the name of this learning theory hints, behavioral learning theory, attempts to explain a human beings process of learning as being directly related to behavior. Cognitive learning theory is based on the idea that learning occurred is derived of non-observable components such as memory or rehearsal, to name a few (Mazur, 2005). Each of the learning theories seek to explain the same concept, but do so harnessing different angles.
The behavioral theory approaches research of the concept of learning utilizing animal subjects. Animal subjects are used when testing to determine the effects external stimuli and overt behavior may or may not have in the way learning occurs (Mazur, 2005). The use of animals in research allows for comparison among species in the way each specie learns.
The mental process and the mind itself is of main focus when learning is studied using the cognitive learning theory (PDF). The process of conscious thought is heavily relied on within the cognitive learning theory. A strong emphasis on information processing in the human mind is relied upon within this learning theory. Aspects which cannot be directly observed such as long-term and short-term memory etc. are the stars of this theory (Mazur, 2005).
According to Mazur (2005), behavioral psychologists and cognitive psychologists differ in which species their interest is focused upon, and that seems to be a main difference. Cognitive psychologists interests are geared more towards “complex abilities that only human beings possess” (Mazur, 2005). In contrast behavioral psychologists are “typically more interested in learning abilities that are shared by many species” (Mazur, 2005).
Intervening variables are highly used and
References: Asia e University (Unknown).Cognitive learning theories. Learning Theories. Retrieved from http://peoplelearn.homestead.com Mazur, J. E. (2005). The psychology of learning and behavior. Learning and Behavior, 6th Edition. Retrieved from http://digitalbookshelf.argosy.edu/books/0558220231 Psychology Today (2015). Social learning theory. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/social-learning-theory