Learning and Memory
How We Learn: Major Theories
Types of Learning
| Theory | Pioneer | Basic Idea |
|---|---|---|
| Classical Conditioning | Ivan Pavlov | Learning through association, where a neutral stimulus comes to elicit a response after being paired with a stimulus that naturally elicits that response. |
| Operant Conditioning | B.F. Skinner | Learning through consequences, where behavior is strengthened if followed by a reinforcer or diminished if followed by a punisher. |
| Observational Learning | Albert Bandura | Learning by observing others (modeling). |
Operant Conditioning: Reinforcement and Punishment
Reinforcement is any event that strengthens the behavior it follows. Positive reinforcement adds a desirable stimulus (e.g., getting a treat), while negative reinforcement removes an aversive stimulus (e.g., stopping a loud noise). Punishment, on the other hand, is any consequence that decreases the frequency of a preceding behavior.
The Memory Process
Three Stages of Memory
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Step 1: Encoding - Getting information into our brain.
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Step 2: Storage - Retaining that information over time.
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Step 3: Retrieval - Getting the information back out.
Memory Systems
In Pavlov's experiments, the dog's salivation to the sound of the bell was the:
The salivation became a Conditioned Response (CR) because it was a learned reaction to the previously neutral stimulus (the bell), which became the Conditioned Stimulus (CS).
Correct answer: Conditioned Response
Giving a child praise for cleaning their room is an example of what?
You are adding a desirable stimulus (praise) to increase the likelihood that the behavior (cleaning the room) will be repeated.
Correct answer: Positive reinforcement