Behavioural Learning Theories Quiz

According to the social learning theory, individuals learn social behavior by observing and imitating the behavior of others. This theory suggests that people acquire new behaviors by observing the actions of others and the consequences that follow. By observing and imitating others, individuals can learn both positive and negative behaviors, which can shape their own social behavior. Therefore, the statement "social behavior is learned by observing and imitating the behavior of others" is true according to the social learning theory.

Pavlov developed classical conditioning, a type of learning where an organism associates a neutral stimulus with a biologically significant stimulus to elicit a response. He famously conducted experiments with dogs, where he conditioned them to salivate at the sound of a bell by repeatedly pairing the sound with the presentation of food. This demonstrated that a conditioned response could be elicited through association, even without the original stimulus being present. Pavlov's work laid the foundation for understanding how behaviors can be learned and influenced through conditioning.

Pavlov's Dog's experiment demonstrated classical conditioning, where a neutral stimulus (bell) becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus (food) through repeated pairings. Eventually, the neutral stimulus alone can elicit a conditioned response (salivation). Therefore, in this case, the conditioned stimulus is the bell.

In behavioral learning theories, it is believed that in order to change behavior, environmental experiences are necessary. This means that individuals learn and adapt their behavior based on the experiences and stimuli they encounter in their environment. These experiences can include reinforcement, punishment, observation, and social interactions, all of which play a role in shaping behavior. Memory processes and genetics may also influence behavior, but in the context of this question, the emphasis is on the importance of environmental experiences.

In operant conditioning, reinforcement refers to the process of strengthening a behavior by providing a consequence that increases the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future. It involves the use of rewards or punishments to encourage or discourage certain behaviors. In the given context, reinforcement completes the sequence of drive, cue, response, and reinforces the behavior that is being conditioned.

Behavioral learning theory and social learning theory are not the same. While both theories focus on how individuals learn and acquire new behaviors, they differ in their emphasis. Behavioral learning theory, also known as behaviorism, emphasizes the role of external stimuli and reinforcement in shaping behavior. On the other hand, social learning theory, also known as observational learning, highlights the importance of observing and imitating others' behaviors, as well as the role of cognitive processes in learning. Therefore, the statement that behavioral learning theory and social learning theory are the same is false.

Learning can be defined as a relatively permanent change in behavior that occurs as the result of experience. This means that when we learn something, it is not a temporary change but rather a lasting change in our behavior. This change is not easily reversible and stays with us for a significant period of time. It implies that the knowledge or skills acquired through learning are retained and can be accessed and applied in the future.

Instinctive drift refers to the tendency for animals to revert to their innate behaviors or instincts, even after being conditioned through classical or operant conditioning. This means that despite being trained to perform certain behaviors, animals may still exhibit their natural instincts, which can interfere with the conditioning process. Therefore, instinctive drift reflects the limitation of conditioning by natural instincts.

Extinction is the process in classical conditioning where a conditioned response gradually diminishes or disappears when the conditioned stimulus is repeatedly presented without the unconditioned stimulus. It involves the weakening of the association between the conditioned stimulus and the unconditioned stimulus. Generalization, discrimination, and prompting are all processes involved in classical conditioning. Generalization refers to the tendency to respond to stimuli that are similar to the conditioned stimulus, while discrimination involves the ability to differentiate between the conditioned stimulus and other similar stimuli. Prompting refers to the use of cues or prompts to elicit a desired response.

C,D, E are examples of intermittent reinforcement