Factors in Learning (3.9)

Social Learning Theory

Moving beyond operant and classical conditioning, we explore how learning can occur through observation

Social Learning: Learning by observing others, known as vicarious conditioning (observing the behaviors of others and the consequences following said actions)

EX: A child learns to tie their shoes by watching their older sibling

Modeling: Copying the behaviors of models

EX: Imitating a teacher’s method of solving a math equation

Similarity to Model: The more similar the model is to the observer, the more likely the behavior will be learned

EX: Children are more likely to imitate peers than adults

Insight Learning

Another form of learning is insight learning, which occurs suddenly without prior experience

Insight learning occurs when an individual grasps the understanding of a problem leading to a solution without the trial-and-error process having occurred (no prior association or reinforcement)

EX: A chimpanzee stacking boxes to reach a banana without having been taught to do so

Characteristics

. Occurs without trial-and-error

. Involves a mental reorganization of information

. Often results in an “aha” moment

EX: A person suddenly understanding how to fix a mechanical issue with a car. Insight learning highlights the role of cognitive processes in understanding and solving problems.

Latent Learning

Latent Learning occurs without reinforcement but is not immediately demonstrated

EX: Rats learning the layout of a maze without rewards, but later using that knowledge to find food quickly

This indicates that learning can happen without immediate application or reinforcement

Another example is cognitive maps: Mental representations of the environment

EX: A person being able to navigate a city they’ve walked through before without needing directions

Latent learning demonstrates not all learning is immediately observable, but it can be revealed when needed