Learning – a relatively lasting change in behavior that is the result of experience
Theories of Learning
1. Classical Conditioning a learning process that occurs through associations between an environmental stimulus and a naturally occurring stimulus discovered by Ivan Pavlov, a Russian psychologist
Unconditioned Stimulus – one that unconditionally, naturally, and automatically triggers a response
Unconditioned Response – the unlearned response that occurs naturally in response to the unconditioned stimulus
Conditioned Stimulus – previously neutral stimulus that, after becoming associated with the unconditioned stimulus, eventually comes to trigger a conditioned response
Conditioned Response – the learned response to the previously neutral stimulus
2. Operant Conditioning a method of learning that occurs through rewards and punishments for behavior coined by behaviorist, B.F. Skinner
Components of Operant Conditioning
1. Reinforcements – any event that strengthens or increases the behavior it follows
a. Positive Reinforcers – favorable events or outcomes that are presented after the behavior
b. Negative Reinforcers – the removal of an unfavorable events or outcomes after the display of a behavior
2. Punishment – the presentation of an adverse event or outcome that causes a decrease in the behavior it follows
a. Positive Punishment – the presentation of an unfavorable event or outcome in order to weaken the response it follows
b. Negative Punishment – occurs when an favorable event or outcome is removed after a behavior occurs
3. Connectionism the idea that bonds between stimulus and response take the form of neural connections. Learning involves the "stamping in" of connections, forgetting involves "stamping out" connections.
Edward L. Thorndike
4. Habituation – a decrease in response to a stimulus after repeated presentations.
5. Cognitive Learning – an approach to psychology that attempts to explain human