1. Human Learning
Topic 11: Limits of Learning
CEDP324 Ryan Sain, Ph.D. 1 3/30/2012

2. Limits of Learning
 Physical Characteristics
CEDP324 Ryan Sain, Ph.D. 2 3/30/2012

3. Limits of Learning
 Nonheritablity of learned behavior
 Lamarckian evolution
CEDP324 Ryan Sain, Ph.D. 3 3/30/2012

4. Limits of Learning
 Heredity and learning ability
 Wolves and dogs
 Maze running
CEDP324 Ryan Sain, Ph.D. 4 3/30/2012

5. Limits of Learning
 Neurological damage
 Neurotoxins
 Low SES
 Older buildings  lead paint
 Head injury
 Closed head injuries can damage neurological function
CEDP324 Ryan Sain, Ph.D. 5 3/30/2012

6. Critical Periods
 Critical periods are windows of ‘development’
 Things that happen in these windows allow for certain
behaviors to be displayed.
 Dogs and socialization
 Humans and language
 Imprinting
 Happens in many species – not just birds.
 Zebra, baboons, sheep, turkeys, …
CEDP324 Ryan Sain, Ph.D. 6 3/30/2012

7. Preparedness for
learning
 Instinctive drift
 Where an animal reverts to species specific behavior
 Behaviors that conflict with a MAP – will be difficult to
learn
 Misbehavior of organisms
 Racoons
 Cats
CEDP324 Ryan Sain, Ph.D. 7 3/30/2012