Learning Theories Pavlov and Classical

Learning Theories

Pavlov and Classical Conditioning Theory -- Russian scientist Ivan Pavlov's works did not become available in the United States until 1927. What was new was the procedure, the pairing of two stimuli; the bell and the food had to63 occur together. The critical contingency the experimenter had to control was the timing of the stimuli. The focus of condition is really quite simple. Neutral stimulus does not bring about any response -- the stimuli are unrelated. In our example this is ringing of a bell and meat for a dog, but not at the same time . Uncondition stimulis, UCS, is the food or meat that causes the dog to salivate. The response in the dog is an unconditioned response, UCR, which is the animal's reflectes simply reacting to food. However, if an alternate stimulus is presented each time the dog is given food, again in our example the ringing of a bell, then after a time a conditioned stimulus will occur- the dog will salivate by just hearing the bell because its brain is anticipating that the sound of the bell equals receiving food.

Summary 2 -- Using Behavior Analysis and Behavior Modification - Behavior modification begins with identifying a behavior or pattern of behaviors that one wants to modify in some ways. It is a formalized way to promote positive behaviors and minimize negative behaviors. For example, it can help people who are mentally handicapped learn to dress themselves, help other stop smoking, give up drinking, etc. The techniques are based on Pavlovian conditioning and are a series of processes that, over time, modify behavior patterns. These sets oinclude reinforcement shceduling, shaping, gerneralisational training, discrimination training, and extinction.

Summary 3- Cognitive Learning -- Not all learning is done by operant condition. Congitive learning, for instance, approaches learing from an inward thought paradigm rather than a repetitive rote memorization template. It focuses on internal thoughts, expectations, and feeback loops. We develop our own unique "style" of learning through practice, but also a predisposition toward, reading it aloud; playing wih toys and manipultors. This combines with styles like aural, visual, and kinesthetic to form a basis for individual learning theory.

Summary 4 -- Observational Theory -- Learning through imitation - It is very easy to see how observational learning is important in early childhood education -- we learn to immitate adults and therefore become somewhat acculturated as well. However, observational learning cannot replace cognitive thinking about certain skills and actions (surgery, translating, piloting a complex machine, etc.). Instead, it becomes somewhat like behavior modification in that it becomes habitual -- almost reflexive and inate to the learner.