The Learning Approach
Definition
• Learning is a relatively _______________________ in behaviour as a result of
_______________.
• Learning approach is the study of how humans and animals acquire and develop skills,
knowledge or behaviour.
• We are born a ________________, and our ____________ shape who we are, and how
we behave.
• Also known as the _________________________ to Psychology, because these
psychologists are only interested in studying behaviour (___________) and not _______
________________ (as they are unobservable).
Which approach to Psychology examines mental processes?
___________________________________________________________________________
What are the problems of examining mental processes?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Assumptions
• _______________ helps to explain changes in behaviour.
• ____________________ helps to explain changes in behaviour.
Conditioning
Classical conditioning
• Classical Conditioning is when 2 stimuli are linked together to form a new learnt response,
it is learning through association.
• In simple terms, two stimuli are linked together to produce a new learned response in a
person or animal.
• Example: Pavlov’s dog
Operant conditioning
• The idea that whether a behaviour is repeated depends on the _______________ of the
behaviour.
• A __________ consequence makes the behaviour ________ likely to be repeated.
• A __________ consequence makes the behaviour ________ likely to be repeated.
• Reinforcement is something in the environment that ____________ (reinforces) a
particular behaviour. Reinforcements will increase the likelihood that a particular
behaviour will be repeated.
• Positive reinforcement: ________________________ to the individual to reward their
behaviour. For example, giving sweets to students.
• Negative reinforcement: ________________________ from the individual to reward
their behaviour. For example, taking a student out of detention.
• Punishment is when the undesirable or unpleasant consequence that follows a behaviour.
It is a stimulus that weakens behaviour because it is unpleasant and we try to avoid it.
• Positive Punishment: ______________________. For example, giving extra work to a
student who isn’t paying attention.
• Negative Punishment: __________________________________. For example,
confiscating a phone.
Social Learning
• Social Learning Theory is the idea that we learn through ______________ others and
we _____________ behaviours that are rewarded.
• Whilst some people may imitate what they see in the media, not everyone does. These
4 steps will determine whether social learning is successful or not: Attention, retention,
motor reproduction, motivation.
• Attention: The individual needs to pay attention to the behaviour and its consequences.
The role model could be a parent or television character but must have some features
that attract the observer. These could be individual factors or general traits. Gender and
same-sex model have been argued to be relevant characteristics to be observed.
• Retention: How well the behaviour is remembered long-term so information can be
used again.
• Reproduction: This is the ability to perform the behaviour that the model has just
demonstrated. We see much behaviour on a daily basis that we would like to be able to
imitate but that this not always possible, so some behaviour may never be imitated.
• Motivation: The will to perform the behaviour. The rewards and punishment that follow
a behaviour will be considered by the observer. If the perceived rewards outweigh the
perceived costs (if there are any), then the behaviour will be more likely to be imitated
by the observer. If the vicarious reinforcement is not seen to be important enough to the
observer, then they will not imitate the behaviour.
Evaluation
Strengths
• The original learning approach focuses on __________________ – This means there are
objective data and measurements of behaviour changes.
• It attempts to explain how all humans and animals learn (association, consequences and
imitation) so is important for explaining where all our behaviour comes from.
• It explains where many mental illnesses come from (e.g. phobias) and then how to treat
these illnesses.
Weaknesses
• Learning is much wider than the original behaviorist view and now considers the role of
cognitive factors. Meaning older theories may no longer be applicable.
• It only considers the role of learning to explain behaviour – ignoring other factors e.g.
biology.