Principles of Learning: Classical and Operant Conditioning, and Social Learning Psychology I Mrs. Hart

Behaviorism and Learning Behaviorism is a theory of learning based on the idea that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning, and that these behaviors can be measured, trained, and changed. Only observable behaviors are studied, as thoughts, emotions, and moods are too subjective.

Behaviorism and Learning Learning is a permanent change in a behavioral tendency that results from experience. Conditioning occurs through interaction with the environment.

Classical Conditioning https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6AYofQchoM Discovered by Ivan Pavlov Occurs though associations between an environmental stimulus and a naturally occurring stimulus. Conducted experiments using dogs to test his theories.

Classical Conditioning: The Process Neutral stimulus Unconditioned stimulus (US) Unconditioned response (UR) Conditioned stimulus (CS) Conditioned response (CR) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WmO1DoDTOY

Principles of Classical Conditioning Acquisition – response happens gradually Generalization – response is similar to a range of similar stimuli Discrimination – response is different to similar stimuli Extinction – gradual disappearance of a conditioned response Spontaneous recovery – reappearance of a conditioned response to conditioned stimulus

Experiment Pulse Conditioning Pair off. One student will sit and relax for two minutes. After the two minutes, the relaxed student will take his pulse. After the pulse reading, your partner will tap a pencil on the desk five times. Now the relaxed student will stand up and hop on one leg for 30 seconds before re-taking the pulse. Repeat the procedure four times, having your partner record all data. At the fifth time of relaxing, your partner will tap the pencil five times, and the relaxed student will take his pulse without jumping. See if the pulse goes up based on conditioning.

Operant Conditioning Theory put forth by B.F. Skinner that explained how we acquire a range of learned behaviors exhibited each day. Type of learning that occurs through rewards and punishments for behavior. Association is made between a behavior and a specific consequence for the behavior. Uses reinforcement to teach or change desired behavior. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teLoNYvOf90

Reinforcement A stimulus, positive or negative, that follows a response and increases the likelihood the response is repeated. Positive reinforcement Negative reinforcement

Schedule of Reinforcement Continuous – reinforcer is received each time a participant shows desired behavior. Partial – rewards are given for some responses, but not each response, every time. fixed ratio schedule variable ratio schedule fixed interval schedule variable interval schedule

Shaping Calculated reinforcement of behavior Rewards for old behavior discontinued as progress is made towards new desired behavior. Skinner’s experiments with rats (Skinner Box)

Chaining Behavior chains are a part of almost everything we do, eating, getting dressed, etc. Each “link” of a chain serves as a signal for the next step or action in the chain. Chaining is the reinforcement of successive elements of a behavior chain.

Social Learning https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zerCK0lRjp8 Occurs when an individual observes and imitates the behavior of others. Classified as either cognitive (latent or learned helplessness) or modeling.

Cognitive Learning Focuses on how information is obtained, processed, and organized Concerned with mental processes in learning. Latent learning: “hidden learning” that’s only obvious when a reward is offered; not immediately observable. Learned helplessness: after several failed attempts at something, the belief that the situation is uncontrollable.

Modeling Copying what others are doing, although no real learning takes place (We see, so we do.) Imitation after watching someone do something, that the observer couldn’t do before. Disinhibition occurs when an observer sees a someone engage in a threatening activity without being punished, then engages in the same behavior his or herself.

Albert Bandura and Social Learning Theory American psychologist Albert Bandura's early research (Bobo Doll experiment) revealed that children's aggressive acts were partly influenced by what they observed (Bandura, 1965). In general, the more aggressive the people or films that children observe, the more aggressive the children act. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zerCK0lRjp8

Albert Bandura and Social Learning Theory Later research has shown that viewing violent acts on TV and in the movies affects people in other negative ways: (1) It decreases viewers' concerns about victims' suffering, (2) it decreases viewers' sensitivity to violent acts, and (3) it increases the likelihood that viewers will emulate the aggressive acts depicted in the show or movie. Young children are especially vulnerable to the effects observed violence.

Behavior Modification Application of learning principles to change someone’s actions and feelings. Modeling, operant conditioning, and classical conditioning are all used in behavior modification. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbbHrcJcNP0