100_7.2_ Learning.pdf
Page 3: Learning Overview
Topics Covered:
Operant Conditioning
Behavioral Consequences
Observational Learning
Modelling
Page 4: Operant Conditioning
Definition: Learning through rewards or punishments.
Key Concept: Law of Effect
Tool: Skinner Box for experimentation.
Page 5: Skinner Box Mechanics
Operant Chamber: Contains:
Bar or key for animal manipulation
Connected devices to record responses
Reinforcers include food or water.
Page 6: Classical vs. Operant Conditioning
Classical Conditioning: Involves pairing a neutral signal with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a natural response.
Operant Conditioning: Focuses on reinforcement or punishment to shape behavior.
Page 7: Understanding Operant Conditioning
Key Takeaway: Behavioral consequences that lead to desired behaviors.
Page 8: Role of Punishment
Concept: Opposite of reinforcement
Punishment involves applying an undesirable consequence.
Outcome: Aims to decrease undesirable behaviors; debates exist regarding effectiveness.
Page 9: Reinforcement Types
Positive Reinforcement: Addition of a pleasing stimulus to encourage a behavior.
Example: Food for a performing circus animal.
Negative Reinforcement: Removal of an unpleasant stimulus to encourage behavior.
Example: Parent stops nagging when a request is fulfilled.
Example: Gangster stops harassing after payment.
Page 10: Responses Post-Action
Different Responses:
Positive Reinforcement: Increases behavior (stimuli added).
Negative Reinforcement: Increases behavior (stimuli removed).
Positive Punishment: Decreases behavior (stimuli added).
Negative Punishment: Decreases behavior (stimuli removed).
Page 11: Timing of Reinforcement
Immediate Reinforcement: Timely reward fosters learning.
Delayed Reinforcement: Less effective with animals, highlights human impulse control.
Page 12: Reinforcement Schedules
Continuous Reinforcement: All responses reinforced, quick learning & extinction.
Partial Reinforcement: Intermittent reinforcement leads to slower learning with better resistance to extinction.
Page 13: Ratio Schedules of Reinforcement
Fixed-Ratio Schedule: Reinforces response after a set number of responses (e.g., piecework pay).
Variable-Ratio Schedule: Reinforces response after an unpredictable number (e.g., gambling, fishing) - highly resistant to extinction.
Page 14: Interval Schedules of Reinforcement
Fixed-Interval Schedule: Reinforces response after a fixed time (e.g., cramming for an exam).
Variable-Interval Schedule: Reinforces response at unpredictable times (e.g., pop quizzes) - results in steady responses.
Page 15: Response Patterns and Schedules
Different schedules affect response rates:
Fixed Ratio: Higher responses for reinforcement.
Variable Ratio: Harder to extinguish.
Fixed Interval: Rapid responses as time approaches reinforcement.
Variable Interval: Steady responses.
Page 16: Motivation
Extrinsic Motivation: Behavior driven by external rewards (e.g., paycheck).
Intrinsic Motivation: Behavior driven by personal satisfaction (e.g., enjoyment of work).
Page 17: Study on Reinforcement
Participants performed a tedious task (peg-turning).
Paid either $1 or $20, then provided misleading fun details to another participant.
Page 18: Reinforcers in Productivity
Modern companies allow employees profit-sharing and ownership participation to boost productivity.
Page 19: Reinforcement at Home
Effective reinforcement strategies for children:
Reinforcing good behavior increases its occurrence.
Ignoring unwanted behaviors decreases their frequency.
Page 20: Indirect Learning
Most human learning occurs indirectly through modeling.
Page 21: Mirror Neurons
Discovery: Mirror neurons activated during observational learning in both animals and humans.
Page 22: Early Learning through Observation
Children as young as 14 months imitate adults observed on television, showcasing early observational learning.
Page 23: Bandura's Bobo Doll Study
Findings: Children learn through imitation, influenced by observed rewards and punishments from models.
Page 24: Observational Learning
Children effectively learn behaviors through modeling, as seen in studies involving Bobo dolls.
Page 25: Effects of Modeling
Antisocial Models: Exposure can lead to negative social behaviors.
Prosocial Models: Exposure can foster positive social outcomes.
Page 26: Media Violence
Research indicates that exposure to violent media can increase aggressive behavior expressions in children.