IVAN PAVLOV

LEARNING theories of development (Pavlov, Skinner, Bandura)

1.Pavlov’s classical conditioning theory:

Classical conditioning of reflexes is an association of two stimuli.

Of these two stimuli, one is neutral (conditioned) and in the beginning has no

meaning, like the sound of a bell.

The other stimulus is one that does already have a natural meaning for the individual, like food (unconditioned). Individuals salivate when they see or smell

food.

ACQUISITION: If every time the individual sees or smells food, we ring a bell,

there will be a time when ringing the bell means food and the individual will salivate.

Anything that sounds like a bell will also cause salivation. This is known as

GENERALISATION.

We can put an end to this association when the bell is not followed by food. This is

called EXTINCTION.

However, after a long time has elapsed, sometimes, the sound of a bell (or similar)

will cause salivation. This is called SPONTANEOUS RECOVERY.

EXERCISE

Create a classical conditioning experiment and describe the 4 phases.

B.F. SKINNER

LEARNING THEORIES OF DEVELOPMENT (Pavlov, Skinner, Bandura)

2.SKINNER’S OPERANT CONDITIONING THEORY

Operant conditioning is a method of learning that occurs through rewards and

punishments for behaviour. Through operant conditioning, an association is made

between a behaviour and the consequence of that behaviour.

Concepts in operant conditioning:

Reinforcer is anything that favours the maintenance of a behaviour. There are two

kinds of reinforcers:

1. Positive reinforcer (++) is a praise or treat for the behaviour. The

behaviour is likely to be repeated or maintained. Well done! Here, have a lolly!

2. Negative reinforcer (--) is the removal of punishment for the behaviour. If

you do your homework, you will not have to mow the lawn tomorrow.

In both of these cases of reinforcement, the behaviour increases.

Punishment, decreases a behaviour. There are two kinds of punishment:

1. Positive punishment, (+-) an active punishment like a slap in the hand.

2. Negative punishment, (-+) removal of something good, like no dessert after dinner.

In both of these cases of punishment, the behaviour decreases.

ALBERT BANDURA

LEARNING THEORIES OF DEVELOPMENT (Pavlov, Skinner, Bandura)

3.BANDURA’S SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY

Learning happens through Observation + Imitation = Modelling of what other

people do.

To learn, you need to be able to pay Attention:Retention, reproduction, motivation,

self-regulation (=self-control)

Bandura believed that Motivation = Reinforcers (↑reinforcers=↑ motivation)

Punishments

For Bandura the individual is influenced by the environment (parents smoke, child

will smoke), but the environment is influenced by the individual (child becomes a

smoking adult whose children will smoke)= Reciprocity.

Bandura coined the term self-efficacy (= believing in yourself): A person’s belief in

his or her ability to succeed in a particular situation. Bandura believed that self-

efficacy determines your personality (how you think, behave, and feel).