Ninth Edition 1 What is Learning?

A Preliminary Definition from Kimble (1961) A relatively permanent change in behavioral potentiality that occurs as a result of reinforced practice.

A Closer Look Learning is an inferred construct. Must be observed by a change in behavior. Can be overt or covert.

Permanence Neither transitory nor fixed. Forgetting does occur. Can be modified by events in the future.

Potential Behavior may not occur immediately. There is potential to behave differently. May not occur until a later time.

Source Results from experience or practice. Rules out learning from “revelation.” Rules out learning from “inspiration.”

A Controversy Some theorists insist that reinforcement is necessary. Some see reinforcement as a possible contributor. Some see no need for reinforcement.

Reward versus Reinforcement B. F. Skinner (1986) “People are rewarded, but behavior is reinforced.” Reinforcement increases the probability of behavior.

Learning as an Intervening Variable

Sensitization and Habituation Sensitization makes us more responsive. Habituation makes us less responsive. Are these types of learning?

Learning and Performance Learning is a change in potential to behave. Performance is translation of learning into behavior.

Innate Behavior Reflexes require no learning Pupil constriction in bright light Startle reflex in human infants

Innate Behavior Instincts More often called species-specific behavior. Examples include migration and hibernation.

Innate Behavior Imprinting in ducklings

A Modified Definition Learning is a relatively permanent change in behavior or in behavioral potentiality that results from experience and cannot be attributed to temporary body states such as those induced by illness, fatigue, or drugs.

How Many Kinds of Learning? Classical (Pavlovian) Conditioning Instrumental Conditioning Operant Conditioning (Yes they are different.) Escape Learning Avoidance Learning How many more can you think of?