Psychology of Learning

Module 01: What is Learning?

Summary

Definition of Learning

Learning is an inferred change in an organism’s mental state resulting from experience & influencing what the organism can do. It is a hypothetical construct—not directly observable, but inferred from changes in performance.

Learning vs. Other Changes

• Reflexes: automatic, innate responses.
• Maturation: biological growth & development.
• Temporary states: fatigue, drug effects, sensory adaptation.
• Evolutionary adaptations: species‑wide traits shaped across generations. Only experience‑driven, relatively permanent changes count as learning.

Learning vs. Performance

• Learning: internal acquisition of knowledge or capability.
• Performance: observable behavior at a given moment.
• Latent learning, motivation, & performance deficits show that learning may exist without immediate behavioral expression.

Biological Constraints

Martin Seligman’s preparedness continuum:

• Prepared behaviors: easily learned due to evolutionary predispositions (e.g., imprinting, attachment, language).
• Unprepared behaviors: moderately difficult, requiring practice (e.g., reading, math).
• Contraprepared behaviors: extremely difficult or impossible because they conflict with natural tendencies. Phenomena like instinctive drift & taste aversion highlight how biology shapes learning.

Approaches to Studying Learning

• Behavioral approach: focuses on observable behavior, rejects unobservable mental states (Watson, Skinner).
• Cognitive approach: emphasizes internal processes & intervening variables like motivation & memory. Modern psychology integrates both—methodologically behavioral but theoretically cognitive.

Role of Animal Research

Animal studies provide experimental control, practical advantages, & insights into evolutionary adaptations. Comparative psychology shows both similarities & differences across species. Modern neuroscience bridges animal & human research, validating shared mechanisms.

Conclusion

Learning is a lasting, experience‑driven change in capability, shaped by biology, studied through complementary behavioral & cognitive approaches, & illuminated by both animal & human research.