Unit 4 – Learning and Behaviorism

Essential Questions:

• What constitutes learning?
• What are the different ways one can learn?
• 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?
• Does learning require experience?

Objectives:

• Define learning.
• Describe the elements and processes of classical conditioning - Pavlov
• Explain the processes of acquisition, extinction, spontaneous recovery, generalization, and discrimination.
• Describe the elements and process of operant conditioning.
• Relate how the works of different researchers such as Pavlov, Watson, and Skinner have lead to our better understanding of the learning process.
• Describe shaping and chaining.
• Understand the difference between reinforcement and punishment as it relates to the Law of Effect.
• Identify the different types and schedules of reinforcement
• Explain the importance of cognitive process and biological predisposition on conditioning
• Describe the processes and elements in Bandura’s Observational (social) learning.
• Describe Tolman’s research on Latent Learning.

Activities, Readings and Viewings:

• Read – Myers chapter 8
• Operant conditioning activity – Experiencing Psychology
• Videos – Discovering Psychology – Pavlov, Watson (little Albert), Skinner
• Behavior Modification Plan Project – to run through 3rd trimester

Evaluation:

• Quizzes
• Exam 4

Daily Class Notes

Link to download smartboard software

Learning and behavior (SB file) (pdf) (html)(powerpt)

Internet Resources:

• Learning – Classical conditioning – Operant Conditioning – Reinforcement schedules - http://allpsych.com/psychology101/learning.html

• The B.F. Skinner Foundation (http://www.bfskinner.org/ )

Established to publish significant literary and scientific works in the analysis of behavior and to educate both professionals and the public about the science of behavior.

• Animal Training at SeaWorld (http://www.seaworld.org/infobooks/Training/home.html )

Neat applications of behaviorism. Did you ever wonder how all those brilliant marine mammals learn how to perform so beautifully?

• Comunidad Los Horconas (http://www.loshorcones.org.mx/index.html )

"In October of 1973, a group of 7 people... interested in the prevention and solution of personal and social problems founded the Los Horcones community in northwestern Mexico. (Their) objective was and still is to design and develop...an alternative society or culture.... to build a humanistic communitarian society where every one can develop (their) own potentialities as unique individuals and help others to do it " This is the website of that Skinnerian community.

• Twin Oaks Community (http://www.twinoaks.org/index.html )

Virginia community founded in 1967 and originally inspired by B.F. Skinner's Walden II. The community has evolved in the years since and supports over 100 people.

• Artificial Intelligence - Creating a new form of life (http://www.a-i.com/ )

An ongoing research project located in Israel is one of several working to create an artificial (machine) intelligence. Using a behaviorist approach and building on the work of B.F. Skinner and Alan Turing, this group is seeking to raise "child machines" from infancy to adulthood. Visit their nursery, listen to an AI child speak, or browse a brief history of the discipline. Also links to other AI projects and an AI contest.