DTLLS COURSE

DTLLS Course

DTLLS Course

Definition

The meaning of this term seems simple: Learning theory is the theory about how learning is achieved. Unfortunately, things are not that simple. A fundamental problem is that the term learning theory seems to suggest that there is a single, true theory of learning. Although one cannot exclude the possibility that such a theory might be developed, at present, nothing even comes close to the overarching learning theory. It is unlikely that such a theory will ever be formulated, if only because there are so many different types of learning. The next paragraphs will discuss two general types of learning: non-associative and associative learning. Afterward, this entry will focus on theories about associative learning because people often have these theories in mind when they use the term learning theory.

Context and Importance

Different types of learning can be characterized on the basis of a number of criteria. One of those criteria is whether the change in behavior is caused by the mere repeated presentation of a single stimulus or event or because one stimulus or event is paired with another stimulus or event. These types of learning are called non-associative and associative learning, respectively. Non-associative learning is a fundamental type of learning that can be seen even in very simple organisms. But the mere fact of being exposed to a stimulus or event also has an important impact on human behavior. For instance, when you enter a room for the first time, you might pay attention to the ticking of the clock that is present in the room. But it is likely that you will no longer notice the ticking of the clock after a while. So one possible effect of repeated presentation of a stimulus or event is that one habituates to it: One's initial reaction to the stimulus or event decreases in intensity because of the repeated presentation. But stimulus presentations can have a whole range of other effects. For instance, the first time that you hear a new song on the radio, you often don't like it as much as after you have heard it a few times. This shows that repeated stimulus presentation can change one's liking for the presented stimulus.

Associative learning can be defined as changes in behavior that are due to the repeated pairing of different stimuli or events. The term conditioning is basically a synonym for associative learning. There are two basic types of conditioning. First, Pavlovian or classical conditioning refers to a change in the reaction to a stimulus that is caused by this stimulus being paired with another stimulus. For instance, a dog might initially not react to the sound of a bell, but might start to salivate upon hearing the bell (i.e., change in behavior) when the ringing of the bell is paired repeatedly with the delivery of food (i.e., pairing two stimuli). Second, operant or instrumental conditioning refers to changes in behavior that are the result of a behavior being paired with a certain ...