Theories of learning

Theories of learning

1. Conditioning

2. Classical conditioning

   • Stimulus
   • Response
   • Key elements
     • Unconditioned stimulus (UCS)
     • Unconditioned response (UCR)
     • Conditioned stimulus (CS)
     • Conditioned response (CR)
     • Neutral stimulus
   • Key processes
     • Acquisition
     • Extinction
     • Spontaneous recovery
     • Spontaneous generalisation
     • Stimulus discrimination
   • Watson's 'Little Albert' experiment

3. Graduated exposure

   • Imaginal exposure
   • In vivo exposure

4. Paruresis

   • Systematic desensitisation

5. Flooding

6. Aversion therapy

7. Trial and error learning

   • Motivation
   • Exploration
   • Incorrect and correct 'responses
   • Reward
   • Edward Thorndike
     • Law of effect

8. Operant conditioning

   • Three- phase model of operant conditioning
     • Discriminative stimulus
     • Response
     • Consequence
   • Skinner's experiments with rats
   • Elements of operant conditioning
     • Reinforcement
       • Reinforcer
       • Positive reinforcement
         • Positive reinforcer
       • Negative reinforcement
         • Negative reinforcer
       • Schedules of reinforcement
         • Continuous reinforcement
         • Partial reinforcement
         • Fixed- ratio schedule
         • Variable- ratio schedule
         • Fixed- interval schedule
         • Variable- interval schedule
     • Punishment
       • Positive punishment
       • Negative punishment
       • Response cost
     • Order and presentation of reinforcement and response
       • Timing
       • Appropriateness
     • Applications of operant conditioning
       • Shaping
       • Token economies
   • Key processes in operant conditioning
     • Acquisition
     • Extinction
     • Spontaneous recovery
     • Stimulus generalisation
     • Stimulus discrimination

9. Comparing classical conditioning and operant conditioning

   • Role of the learner
   • Timing of the stimulus and response
   • Nature of the response

10. Observational learning

    • Social learning theory
    • Vicarious conditioning
    • Vicarious reinforcement
    • Vicarious punishment
    • Bandura's experiments with children
    • Observational learning processes
      • Attention
      • Retention
      • Reproduction
      • Motivation
      • Reinforcement
      • Self- reinforcement
      • Self- efficacy