Chapter 6 - Learning

2 Marks

1. Differentiate between positive and negative reinforcement.

• Positive Reinforcement: Increases the likelihood of a behavior by adding a pleasant stimulus (e.g., giving a reward for good behavior).

• Negative Reinforcement: Increases the likelihood of a behavior by removing an unpleasant stimulus (e.g., taking away homework for good performance).

2. What is extinction?

Extinction is the process in which a conditioned response gradually weakens and eventually disappears when the conditioned stimulus is repeatedly presented without the unconditioned stimulus.

3. How can you differentiate between generalization and discrimination?

Support with examples.

• Generalization: When a response is made to stimuli similar to the original conditioned stimulus (e.g., fearing all dogs after being bitten by one).

• Discrimination: When an individual learns to respond only to a specific stimulus and not to similar ones (e.g., distinguishing between a school bell and a phone ring).

4. Differentiate between primary and secondary reinforcers.

• Primary Reinforcers: Satisfy basic biological needs (e.g., food, water).

• Secondary Reinforcers: Have learned value through association with primary reinforcers (e.g., money, praise).

3 Marks

1. Discuss the factors facilitating learning.

The factors facilitating learning include:

• Motivation: Drives learning by arousing interest.

• Readiness: The learner must be physically and mentally prepared.

• Practice: Repeated performance strengthens learning and skills.

• Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement encourages repetition of desired behavior.

2. Why is motivation a prerequisite for learning?

Motivation is essential for learning because it:

• Increases focus and attention.

• Enhances effort and persistence.

• Encourages active engagement with the learning material.

3. What does the notion of preparedness for learning mean?

Preparedness for learning refers to the readiness of an organism to learn certain behaviors more easily due to biological or evolutionary factors (e.g., birds learning to fly more easily than walk).

4. What is Insight and Latent learning?

• Insight Learning: Sudden realization of a solution without trial-and-error (e.g., figuring out how to retrieve a stuck object).

• Latent Learning: Learning that occurs without reinforcement and is not immediately reflected in behavior (e.g., knowing a route but showing it only when needed).

  4 Marks

  1. What is learning? What are its distinguishing features?

  Learning is a relatively permanent change in behavior due to experience or practice.

  Distinguishing Features:

  • Involves experience and practice.

  • Produces relatively permanent change.

  • Not directly observable; inferred from behavior.

  • Adaptive in nature.

  2. A good role model is very important for a growing child. Discuss the kind of learning that supports this statement.

  Observational learning, also known as modeling, supports this statement. It occurs when individuals learn behaviors by observing and imitating others. A good role model sets positive examples, influencing behaviors, attitudes, and values.

  3. What is Verbal learning? Discuss the methods/procedures used in studying verbal learning.

  Verbal learning involves acquiring knowledge through language-based materials like words, sentences, and passages. Methods include:

  • Paired Associate Learning: Memorizing word pairs.

  • Serial Learning: Remembering items in a specific order (e.g., a list).

  • Free Recall: Recalling items in any order.

  4. What are the key learning processes in Classical or Operant conditioning?

  • Classical Conditioning: Key processes include acquisition, extinction, spontaneous recovery, generalization, and discrimination.

  • Operant Conditioning: Key processes are shaping, reinforcement (positive and negative), and punishment.

    5. Explain the different forms of cognitive learning.

    Forms of cognitive learning include:

    • Insight Learning: Sudden realization of a problem's solution.

    • Latent Learning: Learning without immediate demonstration.

    • Observational Learning: Learning by observing others.

    6. What is a skill? What are the phases or stages through which skill learning develops?

    A skill is the ability to perform tasks with precision and efficiency.

    Stages of Skill Learning:

    • Cognitive Stage: Understanding the task and strategies.

    • Associative Stage: Refining the skill through practice.

    • Autonomous Stage: Performing the skill effortlessly and automatically.

      6 Marks

      1. Explain classical conditioning. What are the determinants of classical conditioning?

      Classical Conditioning is a learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus and acquires the capacity to elicit a similar response.

      Determinants:

      • Timing: Short interval between stimuli enhances conditioning.

      • Frequency: Repeated pairings strengthen the association.

      • Intensity: Strong stimuli create stronger conditioning.

      • Relevance: Stimuli must be relevant to each other.

      2. What is operant conditioning? What are the determinants of operant conditioning?

      Operant Conditioning is a type of learning in which behavior is influenced by its consequences.

      Determinants:

      • Reinforcement: Increases likelihood of behavior.

      • Punishment: Decreases behavior.

      • Schedules of Reinforcement: Continuous or partial reinforcement.

      • Motivation and context: Affect the strength of learning.

      3. Define Learning Disability. Discuss the symptoms of Learning Disabilities.

      Learning Disability is a neurological disorder that affects the brain's ability to receive, process, store, or produce information.

      Symptoms:

      • Difficulty in reading, writing, or mathematics.

      • Poor memory and organizational skills.

      • Problems with time management and coordination.

      • Inconsistent academic performance.