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

2. 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.

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

4. Classical Conditioning
Discovered by Ivan Pavlov
Occurs though associations between an environmental stimulus and a naturally occurring stimulus.
Conducted experiments using dogs to test his theories.

5. Classical Conditioning: The Process
Neutral stimulus
Unconditioned stimulus (US)
Unconditioned response (UR)
Conditioned stimulus (CS)
Conditioned response (CR)

6. Example
A young child who reaches out and touches a hot stove with a light on above it, is burned and cries. Afterwards, every time she sees the stove light on, she whimpers.
NS:
US:
UR:
CS:
CR:

7. Example Answers NS: light on over the stove
US: hot stove with light on over it
UR: crying
CS: stove with light on over it
CR: whimpering

8. 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

9. 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.

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

11. 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

12. 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)

13. 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.

14. Social Learning
Occurs when an individual observes and imitates the behavior of others.
Classified as either cognitive (latent or
learned helplessness) or modeling.

15. Cognitive Learning
Focuses on how information obtained, processed, and organized
Concerned with mental processes in learning.
Latent learning: “hidden learning” that’s only obvious when a reward is offered.
Learned helplessness: after several failed attempts at something, the belief that the situation is uncontrollable.

16. Modeling
Copying what other’s 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.

17. 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.