PSYC1101 2025 Learning 1 slides

Course Information

• Course Title: PSYC1101 Mind and Brain

• Instructor: Dr. Cathryn McKenzie

• Date: Monday, 10th March 2025

Learning Theories

Associative Learning

• Definition: Learning that occurs when an association is formed between two stimuli or between a behavior and a stimulus.

• Key Types:

  • Operant Conditioning: A method of learning that employs rewards and punishments for behavior.

• Foundational Theorists:

  • Edward Thorndike: Proposed the Law of Effect; responses followed by satisfaction will be repeated.

  • B.F. Skinner: Developed the concept of reinforcement to strengthen behavior.

Learning Insights

Skill Acquisition

• Learning a skill is often easier upon repeat attempts, indicating that prior experience enhances subsequent learning.

Basic Concepts of Learning

Learning as a Change in Behavior

• Definition: Learning is defined as a change in behavior due to experience.

Habituation and Dishabituation

Responses to Stimulus

• Increased response:

  • Occurs with frequent presentation of a stimulus.

• Decreased response:

  • Occurs when a stimulus is presented frequently but becomes less novel.

• Dishabituation Test: Evaluates whether a change in a stimulus increases the response after habituation.

Factors Influencing Learning

Sensitivity Example

• Real-life application: Sensitivity to weather sounds can be heightened after a cyclonic event, demonstrating how experiences shape perceptual responses.

A-Process and B-Process

Overview

• Discusses the interaction between the A-process (initial response) and the B-process (the opposing response) in reactions to stimuli over time.

• A-state and B-state: These processes work together to dictate the organism's overall state in response to a stimulus.

Process Dynamics

• B-process Growth: Explains how the B-process strengthens over time with repeated stimulus exposure.

Final Thoughts

• Question on Fatigue: "Why am I tired and grumpy even before I've missed my coffee?"

  • This implies the influence of conditioned responses on physiological states.