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PSY10008 Learning Lesson Outline 2022

This document provides an overview of learning theories that will be covered in an introductory psychology course. It begins by discussing how learning, memory, and motivation are related topics that are typically separated for teaching purposes. The document then covers three main learning theories: classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and social-cognitive learning theory. For each theory, it provides a brief explanation of the basic principles and concepts. It concludes by noting that while each theory provides useful insights, no single theory can fully explain all learning, and it is important to understand the appropriate contexts in which each applies. Learning objectives are also provided to help guide student learning.

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48 views

PSY10008 Learning Lesson Outline 2022

This document provides an overview of learning theories that will be covered in an introductory psychology course. It begins by discussing how learning, memory, and motivation are related topics that are typically separated for teaching purposes. The document then covers three main learning theories: classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and social-cognitive learning theory. For each theory, it provides a brief explanation of the basic principles and concepts. It concludes by noting that while each theory provides useful insights, no single theory can fully explain all learning, and it is important to understand the appropriate contexts in which each applies. Learning objectives are also provided to help guide student learning.

Uploaded by

sara
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PSY10008 2022

Learning
Learning, memory, and motivation are intrinsically related topics. However, in
most introductory courses they are taught as if they were independent. This separation
of the topics is a useful first approach, but it is important to understand that this
separation is somewhat arbitrary artifact of the history of psychology. First year courses
usually present learning with a strong focus on behaviorism, and this unit will be no
exception. Behaviorism was the dominant psychological paradigm in the early 20th
century and continues to influence psychology. Behaviorism placed a heavy emphasis on
controlled experiments, systematic procedures, and empirical evidence. This played a
central role in establishing psychology’s credibility as a scientific discipline.
Learning refers to the modification of behaviour (and understanding) through
experience. That is, exposure to something changes behaviour (or knowledge) in a lasting
way. Note the emphasis on behaviour. This distinguishes learning from memory, the
latter usually described as “the retention of information over time.” So, as a first
approximation you can think about “learning” in terms of behavior change and “memory”
in terms of knowledge storage.
This week’s lesson looks at three main learning theories: classical conditioning;
operant conditioning; and social-cognitive learning theory. Classical conditioning focuses
on an organism learning to emit existing behaviours in response to a stimulus. Operant
conditioning focuses on an organism learning which of their behaviours will elicit
particular responses from the environment. These theories do not take strong positions
on what is learned and avoid construing any role for thought in learning. They see learning
as just what happens when behaviour changes. Social-cognitive approaches, in contrast,
give representation a central role. According to cognitive theories, what is learned are
mental models about the world and beliefs about the results of actions
In classical and operant conditioning learning happens directly by interaction with
the environment. Cognitive-social theory builds on these, but proposes that some species
(humans particularly) can also learn by social interaction and observing the behaviour of
others (and its consequences) without any direct action themselves.
I am often asked which theory is “right.” The answer is they all are (and aren’t) in
specific contexts. It is important to recognise that each theory applies to particular types
of situations. So in your studies, focus on understanding what kinds of real-world
problems you can apply each theory to.

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PSY10008 2022

Learning objectives are given below. I provide these to help you focus your studies. Read
there BEFORE you read the chapter and attend the lecture. Rephrase these as questions,
and then answer your questions as you do your studies.

Learning Objectives
1. Give a (psychological) definition of learning
2. Explain the basic principles of classical conditioning, and
a. List factors that affect conditioning (i.e., what things help or hinder
conditioning)
b. Define and give examples of the following terms as the apply to classical
conditioning: Stimulus generalisation and discrimination; Extinction,
spontaneous recovery, and renewal; habituation
3. Explain the basic principles of operant conditioning, and
a. Define and give examples of positive/negative
reinforcement/punishment, and
b. Describe effect of different schedules of reinforcement on behaviour
4. Explain the basic principles of cognitive-social theory of learning, and
a. Describe and give examples of: insight, observational learning,
modelling, vicarious experience/conditioning, learned helplessness,
latent learning
5. Identify instances and applications of these theories in everyday life

Essential Reading
Bernstein, D.A., Pooley, J., Cohen, L., Gouldthorp, B., Provost, S., Cranney, J….Roy, E.J.
(2020). Psychology: An international discipline in context – Australia and New
Zealand Edition (3 ed.). Cengage Learning Australia.
• Chapter 6 – Learning

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