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Learning (7-9%)
Students need to be able to distinguish between classical conditioning (Pavlovian conditioning), operant conditioning (instrumental conditioning), and observational learning (modeling). Discuss with them the concepts of acquisition, extinction, spontaneous recovery, generalization, discrimination, contingency, and contiguity as they apply to both classical and operant conditioning. It is helpful to use historical examples like Pavlov’s dogs or Skinner’s pigeons to illustrate these concepts. The use of everyday examples, such as the development of phobias through classical conditioning or the training of a family pet with operant conditioning, may increase students’ understanding of these phenomena. When covering operant conditioning, make sure that students understand the concepts of reinforcement and punishment (take care to highlight the difference between negative reinforcement and punishment). Also, be sure to emphasize schedules of reinforcement. With respect to developments in the field, you should discuss the role of cognition in learning and the importance of understanding the biological predispositions of animals in training.
AP students in psychology should be able to do the following:
• Distinguish general differences between principles of classical conditioning, operant conditioning (Big Bang), 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).
• 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 (see Tolman), and social learning.
• Apply learning principles to explain emotional learning, taste aversion, superstitious behavior, and learned helplessness. Insight Learning (chimp clip)
• 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).
Essential Questions:
How do psychologists define learning?
How do principles of classical conditioning work to create learning?
In what ways does classical conditioning work in human contexts?
How do principles of operant conditioning work to create learning?
In what ways does operant conditioning work in human contexts?
How do principles of observational learning work to create learning?
In what ways does observational learning work in human contexts?
How are the various principles discussed different and similar?
• Describe the elements of classical conditioning.
• Apply classical conditioning to different situations.
• Describe the elements of operant conditioning.
• Differentiate among the various forms of reinforcement and punishment.
• Apply elements of operant conditioning to different situations.
• Describe observational learning.
• Describe how biology influences learning.
• Describe how cognition influences learning. (Cultivation Theory- Malcolm X clip)
list of videos and links on LEARNING Newson ppt. attachment. Scroll to last two slides.
Practice Test
The Century of the Self- (Super long movie about mass control... and a lil Freud)
PPT link: Learning
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