Learning Definition – key descriptors Relatively permanent Result of experience• It is ongoing • It can be modified

Behaviour not dependent on learningReflex

Maturation

F.A.P

Learning: is a relatively permanent change in behaviour that occurs

as a result of experience

Reflex – key descriptors• automatic behaviour response • does not require prior

experience –• Is a simple response (as

opposed to F.A.P)• Generally are protective aid

survival• E.g. eye blink, • Many disappear shortly after

birth sucking reflex

Maturation

Reflex: is an inborn automatic (involuntary) behavioural response (movement) which occurs the same way (every time)

in response to a stimulus

Fixed Action PatternsKey descriptors 1. are inborn predispositions 2. in response to a specific

environmental stimulus3. characteristic of a species • often complex responses • All members of the species

produce behaviour • They can’t be ‘Unlearned’ or it is

very difficult to change.• Higher order animals (humans)

have few if any instinctive behaviours

• E.g. Salmon swimming upstream to spawn

F.A.P: is an inborn predisposition to behave in a certain way response to a specific environmental stimulus that is

characteristic of a species or group.

Reflexes vs F.A.P’sF.A.P’s Reflexes

Response

Behaviour

Species specific

Only Bower birds, build nests using blue

materials

The same reflex can occur for different

species i.e. blinking from a puff of dust in the eye.

Simple

e.g a blink

A complex series of responses

e.g. bower birds building a nest out of blue

objects

Behaviour dependent on MaturationKey descriptors• sequential changes the

body is genetically predetermined

• controlled by genetic inheritance

• Responses appear at predictable times

• E.g crawling, then standing, then walking, etc.

Maturation: refers to sequential changes that the body is genetically programmed

to make at predetermined times.