Learning Theory part 2

Social Learning

Learning that is influenced by observations or interactions with another individual or its products.

Albert Bandura

Social-cognitive psychologist who developed Social Learning Theory in the 1970s.

Social Learning Theory basis

Based on behaviourist learning theory, adding that mediating processes occur between stimuli and response, and behaviour is learned from the environment through observational learning.

Insight Learning

A form of learning in which an animal responds to new situations by adapting experiences gained in other contexts (thinking things through rather than trial and error).

Wolfgang Köhler (1925)

German psychologist and behaviourist who investigated insight learning using chimpanzees (such as Sultan).

Imprinting

A form of rapid learning by exposure to an individual or object during a specific time period during early life, resulting in an attachment and a preference for the imprinted object.

Filial Imprinting (Following Response)

Newly hatched birds fixate themselves on characteristics of one or both parents and respond to the first moving object they see.

Sexual Imprinting

Learning that occurs in young animals which determines what preference it will take in a pair formation and finding a partner.

Habitat Imprinting

The persistent choosing of a specific habitat type or geographical location for migrating species.

Food Imprinting

Many animals acquire an early strong preference for certain food types.

Song Imprinting

The early rapid learning of bird song.

Bonding

The process by which a close emotional relationship is developed between individuals of the same or different species.

Interspecific Bonding

A close emotional relationship or connection between DIFFERENT species of animals.

Intraspecific Bonding

A close emotional relationship or connection between THE SAME species of animal.

Fixed Action Pattern (FAP)

An instinctive behavioral response triggered by a very specific stimulus that cannot be stopped midstream and must run to completion.

Greylag Goose Egg Retrieval (FAP Example)

Standardised behaviour pattern where a goose stretches its neck forward, tucks a displaced egg under its lower bill, and rolls it back into the nest.