Chapter+7+-+Learning

= Chapter 7 - Learning (7-9%) =

This section of the course introduces students to differences between learned and unlearned behavior. The primary focus is exploration of different kinds of learning, including classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and observational learning. The biological bases of behavior illustrate predispositions for learning.

AP students in psychology should be able to do the following:
 * Distinguish general differences between principles of classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and observational learning (e.g., contingencies).
 * Describe basic classical conditioning phenomena, such as acquisition, extinction, spontaneous recovery, generalization, discrimination, and higher-order learning.
 * Predict the effects of operant conditioning (e.g., positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, punishment, schedules of reinforcement).
 * Predict how practice, schedules of reinforcement, and motivation will influence quality of learning.
 * Interpret graphs that exhibit the results of learning experiments.
 * Provide examples of how biological constraints create learning predispositions.
 * Describe the essential characteristics of insight learning, latent learning, and social learning.
 * Apply learning principles to explain emotional learning, taste aversion, superstitious behavior, and learned helplessness.
 * Suggest how behavior modification, biofeedback, coping strategies, and self control can be used to address behavioral problems.
 * Identify key contributors in the psychology of learning (e.g., Albert Bandura, John Garcia, Ivan Pavlov, Robert Rescorla, B. F. Skinner, Edward Thorndike, Edward Tolman, John B. Watson).

Links
[|Parental Attention a Reinforcer for Temper Tantrums] [|Reinforcement or Punishment?] An interactive instructional website The Phobia List Misunderstood Minds Basic Concepts of Classical Conditioning A good overview of classical conditioning concepts. Classical Conditioning Tutorial An animated version of Pavlov’s dog. An Animal’s Trainer’s Introduction to Operant and Classical ConditioningA general introduction to classical and operant conditioning emphasizing animal training. Classical Conditioning: Real World ImplicationsPowerpoint-style slide presentation on classical and operant conditioning. B. F. Skinner - A Brief AutobiographyA detailed description of Skinner’s life in his own words. Animal Training at SeaWorldExplanation on how animals are training using instrumental conditioning. Basic Concepts of Instrumental Conditioning A good description of the concepts of instrumental conditioning. Operant Conditioning Tutorial An animated version of a bird in a Skinner Box. An Animal’s Trainer’s Introduction to Operant and Classical ConditioningA general introduction to classical and operant conditioning emphasizing animal training. Observational Learning A very brief explanation of observational learning theory. Albert Bandura A brief explanation of Bandura’s theory of observational learning. Social LearningAn explanation of social learning theory. Albert BanduraA biography on Albert Bandura. Violence in the Media Theme PageThis site includes links to a number of articles on violence portrayed in the media.