Learning Theory - Cognitive Learning Theories

Research associated with Tolman

Latent learning: learning that takes place without being manifested in performance improvements; reinforcement may be an important factor in the performance of a response but is not necessary for the learning of that response

Rats learned the layout of a maze without being reinforced; they created “cognitive maps”

Research associated with Kohler

Insight learning: internal cognitive restructuring of the perceptual field (environment) that enhances the organism’s ability to achieve it’s goal; “aha” experience

Study worked with chimpanzees: they attempted to use a stick to reach a banana but then suddenly joined together the 3 sticks to achieve the goal - “aha” learning

Research associated with Bandura

Observational learning; social learning theory; or social cognitive theory: most complex human behaviors are learned by observing another person perform those behaviors

“Bobo” doll experiment

Results of the “Bobo” doll experiment - Bandura

1. Boys were more likely to imitate a male model while girls were more likely to imitate a female model

2. boys and girls imitated the verbally aggressive behaviors of the model to a similar degree, but boys were more likely than girls to imitate physically aggressive behaviors

3. providing incentives for imitating the aggressive model reduced the gender difference in the imitation of physically aggressive behaviors

Observational Learning Processes (4 steps) - Bandura

1. Attentional processes

2. Retention processes: maximized through cognitiverehearsal

3. Production processes: reproducing modeled behavior; enhanced through practice and performance feedback

4. Motivational processes: learning can occur w/out reinforcement but requires motivation; enhanced when reinforcement is provided (internal, vicarious, or external)

(Bandura) What type of modeling is most effective to treat phobic reactions?

Coping models vs mastery models

Participant modeling is the most effective form of modeling for treating phobias

Coping models who initially exhibit apprehension but then overcome their fears and perform the desired behavior are more effective than mastery models who initially engage in the behavior without fear

(Bandura) Guided participation/Participant modeling

Having the learner observe the model perform the behavior and then perform the behavior themselves with the assistance from the model

Modeling is most effective when combined with guided participation

Bandura’s Self-efficacy - definition and sources of information (4)

Refers to a person’s beliefs about their ability to perform a behavior or task or to achieve certain goals; primary source of motivation

Four informational sources that impact self-efficacy

1. Enactive attainment: prior success in performing the task

2. Vicarious experience: observing others similar to oneself successfully perform the task

3. Verbal persuasion: encouragement by others

4. Emotional and physiological states: arousal, anxiety, fatigue, and other forms of emotional and physical feedback

Effectiveness of guided participation is due to the improvement of _______ that is provided by successful performance of the target responses (Bandura)

Self-efficacy

Reciprocal Determinism (Bandura)

Predicts that there is a reciprocal (interactive and influential) relationship btwn a person’s (a) environment, (b) overt behaviors, and (c ) cognitive, affective, and other personal characteristics

Learned Helplessness Model (Original)

Applies to the cognitive processes associated with depression

Tendency to give up any effort to control events in the environment; suggested as an etiological factor in some forms of depression

Learned Helplessness Model (Reformulated Version) - Attributional Reformulation (Abramson)

Depression occurs when a person makes internal, stable, and global attributions for negative events

2nd revision: acknowledges role of attributions in depression but propose that attributions are important only to the extent to which they contribute to the person’s sense of hopelessness