Three Theories of Learning

Classical Conditioning

Definition

Learning in which one connects an automatic response to an external stimuli

Who?

Pavlov

Must require:

Unconditioned Stimuli
Unconditioned Response
Conditioned Stimuli
Conditioned Response

Learning Definition:
A relatively permanent change in behaviour or knowledge that occurs through experience

Operant Conditioning

Skinners pigeons and rats

Operant Conditioning requires a schedule

Schedule:
Fixed-Ratio
Variable- Ratio
Fixed Interval
Variable Interval

Two types of reinforcements

Partial Reinforcement - reinforcement for every occurence of the targeted behaviour
Continuous Reinforcement - reinforcement that is occasional or intermittent

Requires some kind of consequence

Consequences:
Positive Reinforcement- adds stimuli, increase behaviour
Negative Reinforcement- removes stimuli, increase behaviour
Positive Punishment- adds stimuli, decrease behaviour
Negative Punishment - removes stimuli, decrease behaviour
^

Definition

Learning in which consequences for behaviour, changes the
likelihood that the behaviour will occur in the future

Who?

John Watson

Social / Observational Learning

Definition

Learning that occurs when a person observes and imitates someone else's behaviour

Who?

Albert Bandura

How?

Bobo Doll

Requirements: ^

Attention
Retention
Motor Reproduction
Reinforcement

Key Concepts:
1. Acquisition
2. Extinction
3. Generalization
4. Discrimination
^