What is Learning? Lesson 1

Psychology n Scientific study of behavior and cognitive processes n Behavior l Text: What you do l any event that can be objectively measured n Cognitive processes l mental processes that control behavior ~

Behavior n Adaptive Behavior l Helps us to survive in changing environment n Origins of behavior l Inherited u genes l Learned u experience ~

Surviving in an Uncertain World n Detect changes in environment n Integrate important information n Respond adaptively ~

Learning Mechanisms Inherited n Survival value n Behavior results from neural activity n Adjust behaviors to changing environment l neural activity & structure changes l relatively permanent ~

Definition of Learning n A relatively permanent change in the ability to exhibit a behavior resulting from prior experience with specific environmental events or similar events n Can be an  or  in behavior n Event learning l How to respond to events l Relationships / associations ~

Excluded Changes in Behavior n Reflexes n Temporary changes in physiological state n Maturation ~

Learning vs. Performance n Performance: Organism’s activities at particular time n Learning  ability to exhibit behavior n Inferred by performance unsuccessful performance successful performance learning no learning? Not necessarily

Learning vs. Performance n Determinants of performance l learning l motivation l physical abilities l sensory abilities l opportunity ~

Terminology n Adaptive/Maladaptive n Stimulus n Response n Stimuli & Responses l Behaviors l Emotions l Thoughts n Overt/covert ~

Learning is adaptive n Survival value n Behavior results from neural activity n Adjust behaviors to changing environment l neural activity & structure changes l relatively permanent ~

Learning n Usually adaptive l It benefits the individual n Can be maladaptive l Harmful to individual ~