Session – 2014-15

Subject - Psychology

Topic – Theories of Learning

Presented by :Mrs. Punam Sahu

Asst. Prof.

Synopsis -

Introduction

Meaning of Learning

Definitions of Learning

Theories of Learning

Associative Theories

Fields Theories

Thorndike’s Trail & Error Theory

Conclusion

Introduction -

Learning is the most important topic of

educational Psychology. Much of the human

behaviour depends upon learning.

Learning is a fundamental process of life.

without it, life can not exist & no progress com take

place learning is a process of change not a product

in the form of changed behaviour.

Meaning of Learning -

Learning means, “Exercise or experience help change

in behaviour”.

Definitions of Learning –

“Learning is a process of progressive behaviour adaptation”.

- Skinner

“Learning is the acquisition of habits, knowledge & attitudes”.

- Crow & Crow

“Learning is the modification of behaviour through experience

& training”

- Gates & Others

Theories of Learning

Theories of Learning

Connectionist Theories/Associative

Theories(S-R)

Cognitive Theories/Field theories(S-O-R)

(a) Pavlov’s classical

conditioning Theory

(b) Thorndike’s trial &

Error or Bond

Theory

(c) Skinner’s Operant

Conditioning

Theory

(d) Hull’s

Reinforcement

Theory

(a) Gestall or Insight

Theory

(b) Kurt-Lewin’s Field

Theory

(c) Tolman’s Theory

Pavlov’s Classical Conditioning Theory -

This theory was Propounded by the famous Russain

Psychologist, I.V. Pavlov in 1904.

This theory is concerned with Physiology & the strong

supporters of this theory are behaviorists.

According to behaviorists, “Learning is habit formation

resulting from conditioning”.

Meaning of Theory -

This is learning from the behavriouristic viewpoint

according to this viewpoint learning is “formation of

conditioned reflexes” or “a habit formation”, so that behaviour

may become automatic.

- Conditioned learning actually means responding

normally by a natural response to an unnatural situation.

For example, we have watering of the mouth seeing a

‘Gulab Jamun’.

Experiment –

The Russian Psychologist Ivan Pavlov experimental for

long on dogs to study how the stimuli & responses are

associated with different types of the stimuli of bell.

In his experiment, he took a dog, kept him in a room &

repeatedly gave the ringing of the bell, as a stimulus, soon

followel by food (Piece of meat) which led to salivation.

Bell & food were presented in a sequence over a number of

times (about seven days) & at every trail there was

salivation, because there was food seen or smell soon after

the ringing of the bell.

A stage reached when ringing of the bell led to normal

salivation even when there was no food supplied.

A schematic diagram of the procedure is as under –

Before Training (Conditioning)

1. Bell (CS) Training – (Head turning cocking of errs)

2. Bell (CS) & Meat Poweder (UCS) – Salivation (UCR)

After training

3. Bell (CS) – Salivation (CR)

Bell

Food

Salivation

Education Implications -

1. This theory is helpful in developing different types of

aptitudes in children.

2. Good habits can be developed in children on the basis of

conditioned response theory.

3. The spirit of discipline can be inculcated in children with the

help of this theory.

4. The teacher can use this theory to conduct teaching work

keeping the individual differences of the children in mind.

5. The teacher can also use this theory for eradicating

children’s fear etc.

6. Theornadike’s Trial & Error Theory OR S-R bond Theory.

Thorndike’s Trail & Error Theory OR S-R Bond Theory -

Meaning of Theory -

In 1913, Thorndike’s Propounded an important law of

learning. This law of Thorndike is called by several names, such

as trail & Error Theory, S-R Theory & Bond Theory

According to thorndike, the learning process completes

in the person’s brain.

- Thorndike has written – “Learning is connecting The

mind is man’s connection system”.

Experiment of Thorndike -

Thorndike conducted several experiments to prove his

law. In one experiment, he caged a hungry cat. The door of the

cage could be opened by pressing a letter. A piece of fish was

kept outside the cage in the form of stimulus which could be

clearly seen by the cat. Seeing the piece of fish, the cat started

its responses.

- It trial to come out of the cage for a long time. By chance

its paw fell on the lever & the door opened. Now the food

kept outside was accessible to it. This experiment was

repeated by Thondike several times.

- Finally a time came when the cat was able to open the

door of the cage without having to make any error.

- Under this law, Thorndike’s law of trial & error given the

greatest significance.

Characteristic Features Trail & Error Theory -

1. Motive – The individual has gat certain motives, goal,

purpose or discomfort etc & therefore he reacts.

2. Responses – Many responses are made to the situation.

3. Elimination of response – More elimination of

unsuccessful or wrong form of response/activity.

4. Integration of response – Finally there is integration &

establishment of responses by which goal is achieved or

purpose is fulfilled.

Educational Implication -

1. Students should be motivated or get them ready for learning

a particular task.

2. Sufficient Practice is required to get the mastery over the

work.

3. Teacher should use various motivation techniques e.g.,

rewards & reinforcement techniques for better results.

Skinner’s Theory of Operant Conditioning -

Meaning of theory –

The theory of operant conditioning was propounded by

B.F. Skinner.

Types of Responses : Responses are of two types :

1. Elicited response and

2. Emitted response

Experiment of Skinner -

Education Implication -

Thank you