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Chapter 6
Learning Part One
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I CAN
Identify the major terms used in the psychological study of learning.
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3. Behaviorists vs. Cognitive Psychologists
Behavioral
Learning only occurs with behavior since we can observe behavior
All things which organisms do — including acting, thinking and feeling —should be regarded as behaviors
Forms of learning, such as classical conditioning and operant conditioning, that can be described in terms of stimulus and response
Cognitive
The behavioral view is too limiting… one must consider mental processes in learning that cannot be seen
Includes processes such as memory, association, concept formation, language, attention, perception, action, problem solving and mental imagery
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Instinct Behavior
Innate behaviors ... not greatly influenced by experience
Without learning we would have to depend upon reflexes and instincts
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5. Habituation A simple form of learning
Learning NOT to respond to a stimulus that is repeated.
Ignoring traffic
noise if you live
on a busy street
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Habituation is important in filtering the large amounts of information received from the environment.
By habituating to less important signals, an animal can focus on the most important features of its environment
Prairie dogs give alarm calls when mammals, large birds, or snakes approach.
When prairie dog towns are located near trails used by humans, giving alarm calls every time a person walks by is a waste of time and energy for the group.
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7. Mere Exposure Effect
A learned preference for stimuli to which we have been previously exposed… even if they were unpleasant
The more often a person is seen by someone, the more pleasing and likeable that person appears to be.
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Humans prefer stimuli to which they have been previously exposed to

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9. Complex Forms of Learning
1. Classical Conditioning
Connections between TWO stimuli
Example: Associating the 11:52 am bell with lunch
BEHAVIORS ARE INVOLUNTARY
2. Operant Conditioning
Connect actions with rewards and punishment
Example: Training a dog to climb trees
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10. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007
CAN I?
Identify the major terms used in the psychological study of learning.
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007