Learning Perspective |
The Learning Perspective examines the effects of experience and the role of the environment on development. From this perspective, learning is equal to development. Our behaviors, personalities, and thoughts are shaped by the different experiences we encounter. Learning theorists argue that we are a product of our environment.
The two major views in the learning perspective are:
Traditional Learning Theory is based on behavior modification through classical conditioning and operant conditioning.
Classical conditioning begins with an
unconditioned stimuli (US) and an unconditioned response (UR). This is an
unlearned S-R bond. For example, a loud noise (US) automatically brings
about a startle reaction (UR). Then a neutral stimulus is paired with the
US. After 
several pairings, the
once neutral stimulus, now the conditioned stimulus (CS) brings about the
same response as the UR. It is now learned and called the conditioned stimulus
(CR).
An example of this process is Pavlov's famous dog and salivation experiment.
Operant Conditioning involves reinforcement and punishment.
An example of this is parents reinforcing
the good things their children are doing so they will do these good things
more often. This is called positive reinforcement because the parents are
adding something good. There is also negative reinforcement, which involves
taking away something that is bad - and that is good!
Punishment is when parents punish the
child for doing somthing 
wrong.
Of interest, punishment comes in two forms. One is adding harm (spanking).
The other is taking away something desirable (grounding).
Social Learning Theory focuses on two ideas. One is the relationship between cognition, behavior and the environment. The second is learning through modeling or obeservation. The four criteria for learning by observation are: