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

1. Fixed-Ratio Schedule: Reinforces response after a set number of responses (e.g., piecework pay).

2. Variable-Ratio Schedule: Reinforces response after an unpredictable number (e.g., gambling, fishing) - highly resistant to extinction.

Page 14: Interval Schedules of Reinforcement

1. Fixed-Interval Schedule: Reinforces response after a fixed time (e.g., cramming for an exam).

2. 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.