1. Learning Theory Thomas G. Bowers, Ph.D. Penn State Harrisburg 2000

2. What is learning? Change in cognitive events? Demonstration of understanding? Change in behavior?

3. Learning Root means “track” or “furrow” Verb “last” (to endure) comes from same root Kimble - “A relatively permanent change in behavior resulting from experience.” General inadequacies in this definition

4. Behavioral Point of View Does not exclude aspects of human behavior such as thinking, imaging and feeling. Assumes the forces that control behavior lie in the environment. Some effort devoted to understanding behavior, as well as cognition.

5. Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology Study of the mind or the study of behavior? Behaviorist does not dispute the existence of thoughts and feelings, but criticizes the use of these constructs as causes of behavior.

6. How to Explain Behavior? Rank responses in terms of relative frequency? Organize around descriptive conditions? –Antecedents –Behaviors –Consequences Properties of stimulus and response?