When the behavior is followed by a favorable consequence, the behavior is more likely to recur over and over. However, if the behavior is followed by a negative consequence or a painful consequence, then the behavior is less like to happen again.
The third type of learning is Motor Learning. Carlson says that motor learning is "the establishment of changes within the motor system." (433). He claims that this type of learning is a component of the stimulus-response type of learning. However, this type of learning must involve some form of sensory guidance from the environment and it elicits a reaction from the body.
Finally, the fourth type of learning that Carlson describes is Relational Learning. This is the most complex type of learning and it "involves learning the relationship among individual stimuli." (431) Relational Learning involves spatial learning which is the actual process of identifying similarities and differences among stimuli and episodic learning which involves remembering the sequence of events.
Researchers and scientists believe that memory formation takes place when a connection between neurotransmitters in the brain is strengthen by some form of outside stimuli. Carlson claims that memory formation occurs when one or more of the learning types have been utilized to learn something. Memory is strengthened by changing human behavior is such a way that it leaves...
Memories enter the brain through one of the five human senses. Depending on the strength of the stimuli, the memory will either be short-term memory or long-term memory. The more powerful, influential, interesting or emotional changing the stimuli entering the senses is, the more likely it is to become long-term memory.
In conclusion, learning is best defined by Neil Carlson as the process of changing human behavior as the result of constant stimuli entering the brain through one of the five senses. There are four main types of learning and generally, these four types influence and interact with one another. The stimulus is then stored in brain and becomes a stored memory. The more memories that are stored in a human's brain, the more likely they are learning the new materials well. Learning leads to memory and memory leads to learning. Every person learns differently; however, every person takes in stimuli that will affect their learning and memory in one form or another.
WORKS CITED
Carlson, Neil. Physiology of Behavior, Ninth Edition. Published by Allyn and Bacon in Institute of Perceptual Learning. How Perceptual Learning Works. Retrieved on December 10, 2009 from http://www.perceptuallearning.com/plearn.php.
Motor Teaching and Motor Learning. Retrieved December 10, 209 from http://moon.ouhsc.edu/dthompso/mtrlrng/mtrlrng.htm
