Resources on Learning Theory

There are three major theories on Learning Theory.

1. Classical Conditioning

Also known as: Respondent Conditioning, Pavolvian Conditioning (after Ivan Pavlov who discovered these principles while studying the digestive system of the dog)

Formula =

U.S. = U.R. (a natural reaction to a natural stimulus)

C.S. + U.S. = U.R. (because the U.S. is still present eliciting the U.R.)

C.S. = C.R. (now learning has occurred)

Resource page for Classical Conditioning

2. Operant Conditioning

Also known as: Instrumental Conditioning, Skinnerian Conditioning (after B.F. Skinner who discovered these principles while studying the behavior of pigeons)

Formula =

R. + Reinf. = more R (likelihood of that response goes up)

R. + Pun. = less R (likelihood of that response goes down)

Resource page for Operant Conditioning

3. Cognitive Learning Theory

Also known as: Vicarious Learning (and although there is no one person identified with this type of learning the most influential is Albert Bandura who discussed these principles while studying the behavior of children observing an adult modeling the behavior - in this case, hitting a Bobo doll with a hammer)

Formula = Stimulus ---> Organism ---> Response

KEY = something occurs within the organism that produces the response

(some kind of mental process - thinking, decision making, problem solving)

Resource page for Cognitive Learning

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