Introduction to Learning theory

1. Learning
Dr. Irene Karayianni

2. How would you define “learning”

3. Classical conditioning

4. Classical conditioning
Before
During conditioning
After
Pricking of ears
Salivation UCR
UCS
Neutral stimulus
Salivation UCR
UCS
Neutral stimulus
CS
Salivation CR
Classical conditioning

5. Terminology summary
• Conditioned = learned
• Unconditioned = not learned
• An un conditioned stimulus leads to an un conditioned response.
• Un conditioned stimulus – un conditioned response pairings are not
learned: they are naturally occurring.
• During conditioning, a previously neutral stimulus is transformed into
the conditioned stimulus
• A conditioned stimulus leads to a conditioned response, and a
conditioned stimulus–conditioned response pairing is a consequence of
learning
• An unconditioned response and a conditioned response are similar (such
as salivation in Pavlov’s experiment), but the unconditioned response
occurs naturally, whereas the conditioned response is learned.
Classical conditioning

6. Classical conditioning

7. Some Interesting Aspects of Classical Conditioning
• Any stimulus we can perceive has the potential to become a conditioned
stimulus.
• Perception of the CS can take place below the level of conscious
awareness.
• Any response we make naturally can come to be elicited by a learned
signal.
• These responses can be highly specific and simple (such as a muscle twitch)
or general and complex (such as sexual arousal or fear).
• The conditioned response can be a response of our skeletal muscles or
visceral organs or even a “private” response (such as thoughts and
feelings).
• With a powerful original UCS, conditioning may take place in only one trial
in which the UCS is paired with a CS.
• Stimuli quite different from the original CS can control the appearance of
the conditioned response through higher-order conditioning.
• Depending on the strength of the CR and the nature of the conditioning
process, some learned responses resist extinction and may endure for a
lifetime.
Classical conditioning

8. Extinction
Classical conditioning

9. Generalization and Discrimination
Classical conditioning

10. Operant Conditioning

11. Webster
Oxford
Operant conditioning

12. Thorndike’s law of effect
Operant conditioning

13. Skinner box
reinforcement
Operant conditioning

14. Reinforcers
Primary and secondary reinforcers
Operant conditioning

15. Operant conditioning

16. Positive, negative reinforcers
Punishments
Added
Removed
Positive  Add
Negative  Remove
Reinforcer  increases frequency of behavior
Punishment  decreases frequency of behavior
Operant conditioning

17. Is punishment an effective way to modify behavior?
Operant conditioning

18. Schedules of reinforcement
Operant conditioning

19. Continuous vs. partial (intermittent) reinforcement
Which one is faster?
Which one is stronger (long lasting)?
Operant conditioning

20. Operant conditioning

21. Discrimination – stimulus control training
Operant conditioning

22. Generalization
Generalize this response
But also…

23. Shaping

25. Biological constraints on learning
Operant conditioning

26. Classical vs. Operant conditioning
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6LEcM0E0io

27. Cognitive Approaches to Learning

28. not all learning is due to operant and classical conditioning

29. Latent learning

30. Observational Learning

31. Observational Learning

32. Violence in TV and video games
“If Pac-Man had affected us as kids, we'd all be running around in
dark rooms, munching pills and listening to repetitive electronic
music.”

33. Violence in TV and video games