There are different learning theories. The behaviorist learning theory is concerned with conditioning. According to classical and operant conditioning, learning processes occur through stimuli and subsequent responses (punishment/reward). Cognitive psychologists emphasize the acquisition of knowledge and cognitions that underlie our behavior. Then there is learning through observation and imitation: modeling.
Behaviorism
According to behaviorism, our behavior is determined by the environment. All behavior is learned. Learning is the same as being conditioned. That happens because of the outside world. Conditioning is the development of a dependency between a stimulus and a response under the influence of punishment and/or reward. Conditioning can be classical (Pavlov) or operant (Skinner).
Classical conditioning (Pavlov)
In classical conditioning, conditioning involves linking existing behavior to a new stimulus. Pavlov discovered the learning principle of classical conditioning by accident. He conducted experiments with laboratory animals to study their reflex. A reflex in dogs is to salivate when they taste food, especially dry food. Pavlov rang a bell as a neutral stimulus before feeding the dogs. At one point, dogs started salivating at the sound of the bell.
Unconditioned stimulus
An unconditioned stimulus is a reflex: a physically determined dependence between a reaction (response) and a stimulus (stimulus). In Pavlov’s experiment, the unconditioned stimulus was food.
Conditioned stimulus
The conditioned stimulus is the bell in the example. In the same way we can also distinguish between the conditioned and unconditioned response (response).
Characteristics of classical conditioning
- extinction (if reinforcement is not provided, the behavior dies out)
- stimulus generalization (other stimuli can evoke the same response)
- Stimulus discrimination: the opposite of stimulus generalization
- Chain formation: a stimulus once conditioned can itself function as a reinforcer
Instrumental or operant conditioning (Skinner)
Operant conditioning involves behavior that is exhibited spontaneously, so-called operant behavior. The theory of operant conditioning was devised by the American psychologist Skinner.
Characteristics of operant conditioning:
- There does not have to be a reflex: the learned behavior is not innate in its specific form. The behavior is displayed on its own.
- During the learning process, operant behavior changes. It is becoming more and more targeted: shaping.
- There may also be extinction, stimulus generalization and stimulus discrimination
Operant conditioning is consciously applied to:
- Toilet training
- Self-learning systems
- Fighting crime
Modelling
Modeling is learning by observing others and imitating their behavior. Bandura did a lot of research into modeling. Modeling involves a complete, often complicated, new behavioral pattern that is adopted in one go.
Cognitive learning
Toolman is one of the founders of cognitive psychology. Behavior is best described in terms of actions with a purpose. Cognitive learning involves acquiring knowledge that is later used. (latent learning) The representation of this knowledge about the environment is organized in a cognitive map or cognitive schema.
According to gestalt psychologists, learning does not happen gradually (behaviorism) but in leaps and bounds. An aha experience is the sudden emergence of knowledge. Insight learning or discovery learning is an important principle: learning by taking actions yourself.