WHO LET THE DOGS OUT???? Module 9 Learning WHO LET THE DOGS OUT???? Module 9

Definition Learning” is one of those everyday terms about which we say, “I know what it means…” until we attempt a formal definition. How would you define learning? Seriously… give it a try. Then click here.

3 types of Learning Classical Conditioning Operant Conditioning: the Law of Effect Cognitive Learning

Classical Conditioning Ivan Pavlov (early 1900s) is the most commonly associated name with classical conditioning Classical conditioning is a type of learning in which a neutral stimulus acquires the ability to produce a response that was originally produced by a different stimulus. Confused yet? Pavlov’s dogs and Crash Course

Terms Neutral stimulus – something causes a sensory response, ie is heard, seen or smelled, but does NOT produce the reflex being tested Unconditioned stimulus (UCS) –stimulus that triggers or elicits a physiological reflex, such as drooling or eye blinking Unconditioned response (UCR) – unlearned, innate, involuntary physiological reflex that is elicited by the UCS

More terms Conditioned Stimulus(CS) – A formerly neutral stimulus that gains the ability to elcit a response that was previoulsy elicited by the unconditioned stimulus Conditioned Response (CR) – is elicited by the conditioned stimulus, and is similar but not identical to the unconditioned response

Using the terms with Pavlov Neutral stimulus – bell – can be heard but does not produce a response UCS – food – can make the dog drool UCR – drooling in response to the UCS

How the UCS becomes a CS Just before giving the dog food, ring the bell. When the dog gets the food, he starts to drool. After 10 – 100 trials, test the dog. If the bell alone will make the dog drool, then the bell has become a CS, and the drooling a CR. Basically, animals use classical conditioning to help predict what is going to happen, and therefore is vital to survival Train that Dog!

Theories of how classical conditioning helps learning Stimulus Substitution – a neural association is formed between the neutral stimulus and the UCS. After many trials, the neutral stimulus becomes a CS and acts as a substitute for the UCS. Thereafter it produces a similar response Contiguity theory – two events which are contiguous become paired Cognitive perspective – organisms learn predictable relationships between stimuli, regardless of elapsed time. Classical conditioning occurs because of expectation

Other important terms Generalization – similar stimuli cause similar responses Discrimination – can distinguish between stimuli Extinction – if conditioned stimulus occurs repeatedly without the UCS, the CR will eventually stop Spontaneous recovery – when extinction is reversed

Adaptive values Taste aversion learning - Monarch butterflies and birds, alcohol or food poisoning, bait shyness. One trail can be enough. Emotional response – fear or love can be elicited by situations, smells, tastes or experiences Motor reflex responses are conditioned in the cerebellum, emotional responses are conditioned in the amygdala

Systematic Desensitization Basically, a system to “uncondition” fearful stimuli by pairing anxiety-provoking thoughts or images with feelings of relaxation Step 1 – learn relaxation techniques Step 2 - Make an “anxiety hierarchy”, from most stressful to least stressful Step 3 – relax, and then imagine self in the least stressful situation. Stop and return to relazed state if too stressful. Continue until habitualized to that step, and then move to the next. Can also be done in live situations.

Learning definition Learning is a relatively enduring or permanent change in behaviour that results from previous experience with certain stimuli and responses. The term behaviour includes unobservable mental events (thoughts, images) and observable responses (fainting, drooling, vomiting).