Psych - Learning Approaches

learning,

learning approach main assumptions

1. all behavior is learnt

2. learning can occur thru modeling and conditioning

3. what is learnt can be unlearnt

4. same laws apply to humans and non humans

5. focuses observable behaviors only, not the mind

three types in the learning approach and explain them

1. social learning - learning thru observation and imitation of influential role models

2. classical conditioning — learning thru Assocation

3. operant conditioning —- thru reinforcement

process of classical conditioning

neutral stimulus is paired with the unconditioned stimulus causing the natural response. eventually the neutral becomes teh conditioned stimulus.

Timing

If NS cannot be used to predict the UCS< then conditioning doesnt occur

Extinction and Spontaneous Recovery

The conditioned stimulus can become neutral again but can occur again if the conditoned adn unconditioned stimulus are paired again

Stimulus Generalisation

Response to other stimuli that is similar to the conditioned stimulus.

Operant condiitpning

: Learning through consequences. Behaviour is shaped by reinforcement (positive or negative) or punishment.

positive reinforcement

Receiving a reward after a behaviour, increasing the likelihood of that behaviour being repeated.

What is negative reinforcement?

Removal of an unpleasant stimulus after a behaviour, increasing the likelihood of that behaviour being repeated.

What is punishment in operant conditioning?

A consequence that decreases the likelihood of a behaviour being repeated.

What is social learning theory (SLT)?

Behaviour is learned through observing and imitating models,

What are the key processes in social learning theory?

Attention (noticing the behaviour), Retention (remembering it and placed in LTM), production (being able to perform it), Motivation (wanting to copy, often influenced by vicarious rein).

Limitation of the Learning Approach.

Neglects innate biological factors and internal mental processes; often considered reductionist.

practice idetnifying PR, NR, and P

pros and cons of behaviourist/learning approach

pros

• practical app (has helped us discover reason for phobias and treatment)

• scientific 

cons

• determistic (behaviour can be altered but ultimately it is free will)

• unethical (consumers in therapy have argued that it manipulates their free will behavior)

• oversimplified (doesnt account for biological nor congitiive approaches like memory etc and suggests that everyone learns the same way)

vicarious reinforcement

learning through observing the consequences of the role model’s behaviour in terms of reward (and punishment). If rewarded, likely to imitate observed behaviour in order to receive the same reward.

Bandura et Al

aim was to demonstrate that children learn aggressive behaviours through observing and imitating adult model.

evalulate the Bandura

1.SLT based on research from the lab, lacks ecological validity due to the controlled artificial environment. Behaviours measured were not the same as genuine aggression which would be directed towards another human, may not act aggressively out of experimental setting, questions generalisability of findings to real-life.

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2.Demand characteristics – unfamiliar setting and unusual adult role model behaviour. Children may have thought violence towards bobo doll was expected and changed their behaviour to suit this aim, therefore lacks internal validity (not measuring true behaviour)

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3.Observation took place for a short period of time after exposure to violence and it is not known what long-term effects, if any, there may have been on the children. Perhaps more aggressive in future. Raises ethical issues – protection from harm.

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4.Sample studied (3-6 years old) – questions generalisability of findings on social learning to older children/adults – could argue they have more cognition/free will/have learned the social norms of behaviour.

banduras research limits

lab experiment, demand characteristics,. ethical issues, sample generalisability

evalulation of classical conditioning

pros…

• practical applications (can be used in behavior therapy)

• reliable (can be replicated bc its measurable)

• paved the way for modern psychology (like operant conditioning)

cons

• oversimplistic (doesnt account for internal cognitive pprocesses such as memory, expectation, reasoning)

• ethical concerns (in therapies it can manipulate consumer behavior without awareness)

• use of non humans

• demand characteristics

Operant Conditoning Experiment

Skinner’s…

• A rat in a Skinner box accidentally presses a lever, and a food pellet drops out. 

• This food is a positive reinforcer, increasing the chance the rat will press the lever again to get more food. 

• Over time, the lever-pressing behavior becomes a conditioned response, shaped by the consistent rewar

• measured how long it takes for rat to respond

classical conditioning experiment

with the dog and the bell - measured how much the dog salivates

modeling

Modelling is when an adult exhibits (gender related ) behaviour for a child to imitate / copy,

why dont we use qualitive data

because it is not scientific

and bc it cannot be replicated