Learning: Historical Perspective

Question 0

John Watson (1920)

Answer 0

Little Albert study of classical conditioning (US: startling loud noise, CS: white rat, CR: fear of white rats)

Question 1

Edward Thorndike (1874-1949)

Answer 1

Early study of learning; functionalist (focus on how mind functions in adapting to environment)
Early behaviorist: developed law of effect

Question 2

Ivan Pavlov

Answer 2

Early classical conditioning experiments (dog, bell, drooling)

Question 3

Behaviorism

Answer 3

Became dominant system of psych in the U.S. after Watson until about 1960

Question 4

Clark Hull

Answer 4

Theory of motivation (drive reduction theory): suggested that the goal of behavior is to reduce biological drives. Reinforcement occurs when a drive is reduced.