The Learning Process

Behaviorism A branch of the learning approach The learning approach that emphasizes the effects of experience on behavior Example: You make jokes, and you are rewarded positively by people’s laughter of amusement

John Watson The founder of behaviorism External forces or influences largely shape peoples preferences and behavior

B.F. Skinner Skinner adopted Watson’s theory in the 1930’s “We should pay attention to how organisms behave and avoid trying to see within peoples minds”

Socialization Socialization is the process by which people learn the socially desirable behaviors of their particular culture and adopt them as part of their personalities Skinner said that environmental influences, such as parental approval and social custom, condition or shape us into wanting some things and not wanting others. We are shaped into wanting what is good for society at an early age

People can purposely change their environment People want to learn about what is around themselves Behavior is not just based on learning from observing (Observational Learning: reading about others or watching media) Purposeful Learning

Skills  physical & social abilities Values  value we put on the outcome of a certain behavior affects actions (value good grades = study more) Goals  once goals are set, we plan the most effective to reach them Expectations  Predictions of what will happen in different situations Self-efficacy expectations  beliefs people have about themselves Internal Factors

Albert Bandura Practically any behavior that could be learned form direct experience could also be learned by observing and modeling other people Bobo Doll experiment Studies showed that children learn what society deems acceptable behavior by watching and modeling others.

Social Cognitive Theory Personality is shaped and learning is acquired by interaction – Personal Factors: thoughts, beliefs, values, expectations, emotional disposition, biological and genetic make-up – Behaviour: “one’s actions and experience – Environmental Factors: social, cultural, and political forces that influence behaviour (Understand and predict human behaviour)