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

2. 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. 3 types of Learning Classical Conditioning
Operant Conditioning: the Law of Effect
Cognitive Learning

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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!

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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).