Cognitive Learning Theories

Question 1

Latent Learning

Answer 1

Latent Learning:

1. Tolman: learning often takes place w/o being manifested in performance improvements…it can be latent!
2. mice run maze for nothing, for something, for nothing/something. The last group ultimately ran it faster then the second group due to learning.
3. creation of ‘cognitive maps’ without being reinforced for doing so…learning just because.
4. reinforcement may be an important factor in the performance of a response, but it is not necessary for the learning of that response.

Question 2

Insight Learning

Answer 2

Insight Learning

1. Gestalt: role of internal cognitive processes theory by Kohler with Chimpanzees
2. learning as a result of insight “aha” moment reflects internal cognitive restructuring on the perceptual field (environment) that enhances the organism’s ability to achieve its goals.
3. chimps given two sticks and banana outside reach…put sticks together. aha!

Question 3

Observational (Social) Learning Theory

BANDURA

1. observational learning processes
2. model characteristics
3. guided participation
4. self-efficacy
5. reciprocal determinism

Answer 3

BANDURA:

Observational Learning or Social Learning Theory

1. most complex human behaviors are learned by observing another person perform those behaviors and that observational learning is useful not only for teaching new behaviors but also for enhancing or inhibiting existing ones.
2. BoBo Doll: male/female adults model aggression
   
   1. boys more likely to imitate a male model, girls for female models (sex matters).
   2. both imitated the verbally aggressive behaviors, but boys were more likely to imitate physically aggressive behaviors.
   3. but providing incentives for doing so reduced the gender gap for physical aggression.

Question 4

Observational Learning Process

Bandura

Answer 4

Observational Learning Process: alters cognition in 4 ways

• Attentional Processes: The learner attends to and accurately perceives the modeled behavior.
• Retention Processes: The learner symbolically processes themodeled behavior in memory via visual imagery or verbal coding. Retention is maximized through cognitive rehearsal.
• Production Processes: Ther learner must be able to accurately reproduce and rehearse the modeled behavior. Production enhanced via practice and performance feedback.
• Motivational Processes: While learning can occure w/o reinforcement, performance requires motivation. Motivation is enhanced when the learner is reinforced but it may be wither internal (self-reinforcement), vicarious, or external.

Question 5

Model Characteristics

Answer 5

Model Characteristics

Observers are more likely to imitate a model when:

1. the model is high in status, prestige, or expertise
2. the model is similar to the observer, espceially in terms of age and gender
3. model’s behavior is visible, salient and relevant to the observer’s needs and goals.
4. the model has been reinforced for engaging in the behavior (vicarious reinforcement)

When modeling to treat phobia, coping models who initiallly exhibit apprehension but then overcome their fears and perform the desired behavior (coping), are more effectvie then mastery alone models (those who initially engage in the behavior w/o fear).

Question 6

Guided Participation

Answer 6

Guided Participation

Modeling is most effective when combined with Guided Participation:

1. participant modeling and consists of having the learner observe the model perform the behavior and then perform the behavior with assistance from the model.
2. live modeling with guided participatioin was superior to symbolic modeling (observation of a filmed model) or systematic desensitization.
   
   1. snake phobia

Question 7

Self-Efficacy

Answer 7

SELF-EFFICACY

Central concept in Bandura’s theory and refers to a person’s beliefs about their ability to perform a behavior or task or to achieve certain goals. (EPPP).

Primary source of motivation and are impacted by 4 informational sources:

1. enactive attainment (prior success in performing the task)
2. vicarious experience (observing others similar to oneself successfully perform the task)
3. verbal persuasion (encouragement by otyhers)
4. emotional and physiolocal states (arousal, anxiety, fatigue, and other forms of emo/phys feedback).

Research suggests that the effectiveness of guided participation is due to the improvement in self-efficacy that is provided by successful performance of the target responses.

Question 8

Reciprocal Determinism

Answer 8

Reciprocal Determinism

• Predicts that there is a reciprocal (interactive and influential) relationship between a person’s
  
  • environment
  • overt behaviors
  • cognitive, affective, and other personal characteristics
• person’s past experiences in various caree-related activities (past-bx) influence their career preferences and choices (personal factors/current bx) and the career chosen by the person (env) then affects their future career-related preferences, decisions and behaviors.