B.F. Skinner expanded this by focusing on consequences . Here, learning occurs through reinforcement and punishment. If a behavior is followed by a reward (reinforcement), it is likely to be repeated; if followed by an unpleasant outcome (punishment), it diminishes. This "feedback loop" is the basis for everything from habit formation to workplace productivity. 2. The Cognitive Perspective: Mental Processing
The learning process is not universal; it is shaped by several internal and external variables: Psy 103 Learning Process
Through "modeling," individuals watch the actions of others and the resulting consequences. This involves four key steps: (noticing the behavior), retention (remembering it), reproduction (performing it), and motivation (having a reason to do it). This theory explains how culture, language, and social norms are passed down through generations. 4. Factors Influencing the Process If a behavior is followed by a reward
The distinction between intrinsic (internal satisfaction) and extrinsic (external rewards) motivation. For learning to occur
The most foundational theories of learning stem from , which focuses on observable actions rather than internal thoughts. This is divided into two main types:
By the mid-20th century, the "Cognitive Revolution" argued that behaviorism was too simplistic because it ignored the "black box" of the human mind. Cognitive psychologists view learning as an .
Central to this is , which likens the human brain to a computer. For learning to occur, information must move through three stages: Sensory Memory: Brief intake of surroundings. Working (Short-term) Memory: Where active thinking happens.