What is Learning Lesson 1 Psychology Scientific study

What is Learning? Lesson 1

Psychology Scientific study of behavior and cognitive processes n Behavior l Text: What you do l any event that can be objectively measured n Cognitive processes l mental processes that control behavior ~ n

Behavior Adaptive Behavior l Helps us to survive in changing environment n Origins of behavior l Inherited n ugenes l Learned uexperience ~

Surviving in an Uncertain World Detect changes in environment n Integrate important information n Respond adaptively ~ n

Learning Mechanisms Inherited Survival value n Behavior results from neural activity n Adjust behaviors to changing environment l neural activity & structure changes l relatively permanent ~ n

Definition of Learning A relatively permanent change in the ability to exhibit a behavior resulting from prior experience with specific environmental events or similar events n Can be an or in behavior n Event learning l How to respond to events l Relationships / associations ~ n

Excluded Changes in Behavior Reflexes n Temporary changes in physiological state n Maturation ~ n

Learning vs. Performance n n n Performance: Organism’s activities at particular time Learning ability to exhibit behavior Inferred by performance successful performance unsuccessful performance learning no learning? Not necessarily

Learning vs. Performance n Determinants of performance l learning l motivation l physical abilities l sensory abilities l opportunity ~

Terminology Adaptive/Maladaptive n Stimulus n Response n Stimuli & Responses l Behaviors l Emotions l Thoughts n Overt/covert ~ n

Learning is adaptive Survival value n Behavior results from neural activity n Adjust behaviors to changing environment l neural activity & structure changes l relatively permanent ~ n

Learning Usually adaptive l It benefits the individual n Can be maladaptive l Harmful to individual ~ n