Application 1: Definition of Learning and Response AcquisitionYou begin your study of learning by considering the definition. Your textbook defines learning and names some of what occurs in the learning process. However, you are asked here to consider not only the textbook's definition and explanation of learning but your own experiences in learning during your lifetime in order to create a personally meaningful definition of your own.
In this course, you examine several different theories of learning. The first two theories, classical conditioning and operant conditioning, fall under the umbrella of behavioral theories of learning. This week, you consider the first behavioral theory, classical conditioning, also referred to in your text as Pavlovian conditioning. The assigned pages in Chapter 3 introduce the basic terms in classical conditioning: conditioned stimulus, unconditioned stimulus, conditioned response, and unconditioned response.
In order to understand how behavioral theories of learning actually operate, beginning this Week and continuing in Weeks 2 and 3, you will develop a plan for an experiment on the acquisition of behavior in rats. Each week, you will provide details of your plan related to the week's topics. For this Week's Application, you will focus on the initial learning stage in classical conditioning, acquisition. It is in the acquisition stage that the conditioned response comes to be elicited by the conditioned stimulus.
To prepare for this assignment:
Review the assigned pages in Chapter 1 of the course text, Learning and Behavior. Pay particular attention to the section called, "Learning:
Evolved Modifiability."
Think about some things that you have learned in your lifetime- the skills and knowledge that stand out for you. Reflect on what happened for you, that is, what you did or what occurred that helped you to learn in these instances.
Consider how you would define learning in a way that reflects what happens and is meaningful to you.Next, review the assigned pages in Chapter 3 of the course text, Learning and Behavior, focusing on conditioned and unconditioned stimuli and responses and pay close attention to the essentials of classical conditioning and the acquisition of a behavior.
Review the assigned pages of Psychology, Core Concepts, paying close attention to the essentials of classical conditioning and the acquisition of a behavior.
Imagine that you are going to be conducting a classical conditioning experiment in your own laboratory on the acquisition of behavior in rats. Think of what types of behaviors are simulated in classical conditioning as you prepare to design your experiment. Once you have determined the behavior you want to elicit in the rat, begin developing a plan for the steps you will take to acquire that response. Be sure to consider and include what the US, CS, UR, and CR will be and how they will contribute to your rat acquiring the target behavior. Use this week's readings to support your steps in acquiring the target behavior in your rat experiment.The assignment (2-3 pages):
Write your personal definition of learning and then explain what it means.
Write a description of your proposed classical conditioning experiment that includes the following:
A description of the behavior you want to elicit in your rat
A description of the steps you will take to acquire that response
An identification of the US, CS, UR, and CR and how these contribute to your rat acquiring the target behavior
An explanation of basic response acquisition as it relates to your proposed experiment