DL - Social, Cognitive, and Neurological Factors in Learning Lesson

Learning Targets:

• Describe how social learning theories can be applied to understand behavior and mental processes.
• Explain how cognitive elements influence learning and how they affect behavior and mental processes.
• Define observational learning and explain its mechanisms and effects.

Courtesy of the AP psychology course and exam description, effective fall 2024. (n.d.). Links to an external site.

 

Cognition's Influence on Conditioning

Cognition and Conditioning

Cognitive processes play a crucial role in both classical and operant conditioning. In classical conditioning, animals learn to anticipate an unconditioned stimulus and develop an awareness of the connection between specific stimuli and their responses. On the other hand, in operant conditioning, cognitive processes such as cognitive mapping and latent learning demonstrate the importance of mental processes in learning. Additionally, insight learning shows that learning can occur without systematic environmental interactions, highlighting the significant role of cognitive abilities in acquiring knowledge and skills through conditioning.

Understanding Latent Learning

Have you ever realized that you know more than you thought, even when you haven't been explicitly taught something new? That's the idea behind latent learning. It's a type of learning that happens without us even realizing it until we need to use that knowledge. Just like animals and humans can learn from experiences, you can learn new information through observation and exploration, not just through rewards or consequences.

You might not have realized it, but every time you navigate the neighborhood to meet up with friends or find a new hangout spot, you create a mental map of the area, just like rats do when they explore a maze. This ability to understand and remember spaces without an obvious reward is an example of latent learning in action. So, next time you find yourself effortlessly finding your way around, remember that your brain might have picked up more than you think along the journey!

Understanding Insight Learning

Insight learning is a fascinating concept in psychology that involves solving problems through sudden and unexpected realizations rather than a step-by-step strategy. One classic example of insight learning is when individuals experience an "Eureka moment," where they suddenly grasp the solution to a problem that has been puzzling them. This contrasts with more traditional, systematic approaches to problems. A famous study conducted by psychologist Wolfgang Kohler with chimpanzees illustrated insight learning. In the survey, Kohler placed a banana outside the reach of a chimpanzee in a cage. After struggling for some time, the chimpanzee suddenly had a flash of insight and used a stick to reach the banana. This sudden understanding of how to solve the problem demonstrated insight into learning in action.

Learning by Observation

Sometimes, learning takes place in the absence of a reinforcer. When this happens, it is called social learning. There are two types of social learning: cognitive learning and observational learning. Cognitive learning involves the acquisition of knowledge rather than simply changes in behavior. It aims to explain how information is obtained, processed, and organized.

Observational learning occurs through imitation and observation of others, called modeling. Psychologist Albert Bandura is best associated with this theory. He conducted an experiment in which he had 4-year-old children watch a short film showing adults playing aggressively with a Bobo Doll (a large, inflated doll that stands upright). The adults kicked, punched, and beat the doll. In different versions of the film, the adults were either punished, rewarded, or experienced no consequences for their actions.

Afterward, the children were allowed to play alone in a room with several dolls, including Bobo. It was observed that the children who watched the film in which the adults were rewarded for their actions imitated it and began to hit and punch the doll. Those who saw the adults punished were less likely to imitate the aggressive behavior.

Bandura concluded that imitation is essential in learning new behavior. He found that we are most likely to imitate behavior that is like us, brings success, or is admirable.

Understanding Neural Mirroring 

Neural mirroring involves mirror neurons, which are believed to activate when we perform specific actions and observe others doing the same. This mirroring mechanism in the brain plays a crucial role in enabling imitation and fostering empathy. For example, in studies with monkeys, it has been observed that they can learn to crack nuts by imitating older and more experienced monkeys. This phenomenon helps shed light on why we might experience pain when witnessing someone else go through a painful situation. Mirror neurons are a vital component in observational learning, where individuals can learn by observing and imitating others, ultimately contributing to our ability to understand and empathize with those around us.

Applications of Observational Learning

 Prosocial behaviors, such as helpful and kind actions, can positively affect those around us. For example, we are more likely to follow suit and help others when we observe someone engaging in a kind gesture. This can be seen in workplaces where new employees learn from experienced colleagues how to communicate effectively or provide excellent customer service. On the flip side, observational learning can also lead to antisocial behavior. For instance, individuals exposed to aggressive or dishonest behaviors are more likely to replicate these actions. This is why abusive parents may exhibit aggressive tendencies towards their children or why individuals who are exposed to hate speech may become desensitized to hurtful words and harbor prejudices towards certain groups. Observational learning shapes children's behaviors and influences adults through various sources like TV shows, movies, and online videos, where negative behaviors can be portrayed and normalized. It is crucial to be mindful of the behaviors we observe and the impact they can have on our actions toward others.

 

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