Learning and Cognition Definition of Learning

Merriam-Webster defines learning as "knowledge or skill acquired by instruction or study; modification of a behavioral tendency by experience (as exposure to conditioning)" (Merriam-Webster, 2011). Other experts defines learning as a process, one that leads to behavioral change or potential behavior change that is relatively permanent. That is, as people learn, his or her learning alters the way one perceives the environment, the way he or she interprets incoming stimuli, and therefore, the way one interacts or behaves (Introduction to Learning Theory, 2004). According to Cherry (2011), learning is a permanent change in behavior that is the result of experience. The common characteristic that all these definitions share is their identification of a behavioral component as part of the process of learning. In other words, for learning to occur, a change in behavior takes place.

The Role of Behavior

For the early part of the twentieth century, learning was the primary focus of study in psychology. This discipline evolved into a major school of thought known as behaviorism that attempted to explain the learning process. Currently the topic of learning continues to be a significant concept in many areas of psychology. (Cherry, 2011).

Behaviorism attempted to measure only observable behaviors. John B. Watson, founder of behaviorism, believed psychology to be an experimental and objective science; he also held that internal mental processes ought not be considered given that they are not directly observable and measurable (Cherry, 2011). Watson's influence shaped the direction of learning psychology for decades to come.

According to Stoker, a complete understanding...

Stoker argues that since the neurological processes of learning cannot be directly observed, behavior is the only means left to science by which one can infer the actual mechanics of learning. Stoker also argues that behavior is the end result of learning and that it provides the only scientifically verifiable method which can be used to study learning (Stoker, 2009).
Types of Learning

Behavioral psychology recognizes three types of learning: classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and observational. According to Cherry, classical conditioning is defined as a learning process which forms an association between a previously neutral stimulus and a stimulus which naturally elicits a response. A well-known experiment in classical conditioning is that of Pavlov's dogs, wherein the smell of food was the naturally occurring stimulus that was paired with the ringing of the bell, a previously neutral stimulus. Once the dogs made an association between the two stimuli, the ringing bell alone could evoke a response (Cherry, 2011).

A second type of learning occurs with operant conditioning. For this learning process, the likelihood of response happening is increased or decreased due to the use of either reinforcement or punishment. The basis for operant conditioning is the concept that the consequences of one's actions shape voluntary behavior (Cherry, 2011).

Observational learning is still another type of learning. This process occurs through observing and imitating others. As various experiments demonstrate, people…