Psychology unit 3

 Part 8

Theories of learning

2. Theory of Operant Conditioning

The theory of learning by operant conditioning was given by BF Skinner. He said that the man is an active organism , and not a victim of his environment. He does not wait for the stimulus ; instead he acts or operates on the environment, so as to change it in some way. Thus , he called it as operant behaviour. 

According to Skinner, operant behaviour is determined by the events or consequences  that follow the response. If the consequences favourable , the individual repeat the same, it this case, the consequences are said to have provided to positive reinforcement and cause repetition of the behaviour. If the  consequences favourable, the individual repeat the same, in this case, the consequences are said to have provided to positive reinforcement and cause repetition of behaviour . If the consequences are unfavourable, they reduced the chance of the same behaviour from getting repeated . In such cases , the  consequences are said to have provided negative reinforcement and reduce the chances of the behaviour  from recurring again.

Operant conditioning is also called a type - R conditioning, to emphasize the effect of the response on future behaviour . In this way, Skinner said that learning is shaped and maintained by its consequences.

Educational implication of operant conditioning theory

1. The key concept of Skinner theory is reinforcement ( the process by which a stimulus increases that probability that preceding behaviour will be repeated ). In order to enable an individual to learn , the correct responses must be suitably rewarded or positively reinforced.

2. The principle of operant conditioning may be successfully applied in behaviour modification. We have to find something , which is rewarding for the individual whose behaviour we wish to modify , wait until the desired behaviour occurs immediately reward him when it does.

3. This theory emphasizes the importance of schedules, in trying to teach a particular behaviour , great care should be taken for the proper planning of the schedules of  training.

4. This theory advocate the avoidance of punishment of unlearning of undesirable behaviour and for shaping the desirable behaviour.

5. This theory also state that......

The learning material is so design that it produces fever chances for failure and more opportunity for success.

6. The learner is given the feedback concerning the accuracy of his learning.

7. The learner is able to learn at his own space.

4. Theory of insightful learning (gestalts psychology)

Gestalt psychology was founded in Germany in 1912 by Max Wertheimer and his colleagues.

 The basic idea behind the registered idea that anything cannot understand by a study of its parts , but only by viewing in its totality.

The learner while learning always perceives the situation as a whole. After studying and evaluating the different relationship in the situation , he takes the proper decision in an intelligent way.

Gestalt psychologist used the term insight to describe the perception of the whole situation by the learner and his intelligence in responding to the proper relationships.

According to this theory insight is depending upon the following factors.....

* Past experiences

* Basic intelligence of learner.

* Repetition

* Trial and error process in the initial stage does not last long.

Educational implications of the theory of insightful learning

This theory states that trial and error learning must be minimised.

Subject must be presented in Gestalt form, also in organisation of the syllabus and planning of the curriculum, the Gestalt principle should be applied.

This theory has bought motivation to the forefront. The child should be motivated by arousing interest and curiosity, in order to make learning goal-oriented and effective.

The learner should give plenty of opportunity to use mental abilities.

5. Cognitive theory of learning (observational learning) or learning through imitation (social learning theory)

According to psychologist Albert Bandurs ,  a major part of human learning consists of observational learning ; learning through observing the behaviour of another person called a model.

According to bandura observational learning takes place in four step........

1. Paying attention to perceiving the features of the another person behaviour.

2. Remembering the behaviour.

3. Reproducing the behaviour.

4. Being motivated and carried out the behaviour.

Summary of various theory of learning