Approaches

• Learning is a fundamental aspect of human behaviour
• Understanding the different approaches to learning is crucial in the field of psychology
• Behaviourist approach


  Focuses on observable behaviours and external stimuli to explain learning processes
• Classical conditioning


  A form of learning in which a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a reflex response through repeated pairing
• Classical conditioning was first discovered by Ivan Pavlov
• Operant conditioning


  Based on the idea that behaviours are strengthened or weakened depending on the consequences they produce
• B.F. Skinner is a key figure in operant conditioning
• Reinforcement


  Can be positive (rewarding a desired behaviour) or negative (removing an unpleasant stimulus)
• Skinner conducted research using operant conditioning principles, such as the Skinner Box
• Skinner's work laid the foundation for understanding how behaviour can be shaped and modified through external influences
• Social learning theory


  Proposed by Albert Bandura, emphasizes the role of social factors in learning
• Individuals can learn by observing others and modeling their behaviours according to social learning theory
• Identification


  Individuals are more likely to imitate someone they identify with or perceive as similar to themselves
• Modelling


  Individuals emulate behaviours they have observed in others
• By imitating behaviours, individuals can learn new skills and understand social norms within their environment
• Vicarious reinforcement


  Learning through the observation of others receiving rewards or punishments for their actions
• Vicarious reinforcement allows individuals to understand the consequences of certain behaviours without experiencing them firsthand
• Mediational processes


  Attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation are essential in social learning theory
• Mediational processes help individuals encode, store, reproduce, and regulate their behaviour based on observed models
• Bandura's research on social learning theory has had a significant impact on the field of psychology
• Social learning theory highlights the importance of cognitive factors and social interactions in the learning process
• By considering the influence of social contexts and internal cognitive processes, educators and psychologists can gain a deeper understanding of how individuals learn and develop
• The behaviourist approach and social learning theory are two significant perspectives in psychology
• These approaches offer valuable insights into the mechanisms of learning
• Exploring these approaches and understanding their key concepts and research findings can enhance teaching strategies and support students' learning effectively