principles and theories of learning

associationist

a group of theories related to a connecting stimulus

reinforcement

a process increasing the probability of behaviour continuing

positive reinforcement

a stimulus is given when a desired response occurs

negative reinforcement

a stimulus is removed when a desired response occurs

punishment

a stimulus is given to prevent a behaviour from continuing

operant conditioning

trial and error

behaviourist theory → learn through the consequences of your actions

what is skinner’s theory?

conditioning was more effective through manipulation of behaviour towards a stimulus

rather than through modification of a stimulus

what was the rat in the box test?

if a rat hit the lever in the box food would be released

through trial and error the rat learnt that hitting the lever = food

food was given as the reward for good behaviour

thordikes 3 laws

law of exercise

law of effect

law of readiness

law 1 - law of exercise

repeating or rehearsing the S-R connections is more likely to strengthen them

law 2 - law of effect

if response is followed by a satisfier - S-R bond is strengthened

if response is followed by a annoyer - S-R bond is weakened

pleasant outcomes will more likely strengthen the bond

law 3 - law of readiness

the performer must be physically and mentally ready to complete the task effectively