Learning is a necessary process for human beings and animals. Several psychologists studied how man and animals absorb, process, and retain information during learning in what came to be known as learning theories (Balas, 2012). Their contributions helped modern psychologists and behavioral scientists to understand human behavior as well as animal behavior. Examples of scientists who contributed to learning theories, as discussed in this essay, are B. F. Skinner, Ivan Pavlov, and Albert Bandura. Each of the psychologists mentioned proposed a different theory from each other, and all theories are applied in modern times. This essay examines the theories proposed by each of them, how they compare and contrast, and how they are applied.
B. F. Skinner
B. F. Skinner proposed the theory of Operant Conditioning. He explained that the theory was based on the idea that individuals learn through reward and punishment (Skinner, 1938). According to the theory, if an individual behaves in the right way, reward comes in one way or another, but bad behavior is rewarded with punishment. Therefore, if individuals do bad deeds and get punished for them, they learn not to repeat the mistake. Through his theory, he challenged Pavlov's theory of Classical Conditioning. He wanted to show that human behavior was far more complicated than Pavlov explained. To prove his theory, he performed experiments using mice from which he derived three conclusions. He noted that individuals respond to the environment in one of three ways; neutral, reinforcers, and negative operant. Neutral operant has no effects on the repetitiveness of action, negative operant decrease the frequency of an action, and reinforcers increase the frequency of particular actions. His research was influenced by Edward Thorndike's Law of Effect.
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Ivan Pavlov
Ivan Pavlov proposed the theory of Pavlovian Conditioning. The theory explained the link between stimuli and response. He used his dogs as the subjects of his study. He noticed that dogs could be trained through conditional reflex; that is, their response could be elicited by a specific action (stimuli). Bells were used to notify the dogs that food was ready. In the long run, even without food, the dogs would salivate when they heard the bell sound. Individuals can be trained to respond to certain stimuli, thus breaking down complex behavior into smaller units (McLeod, 2018). Pavlovian Conditioning is also known as Classical Conditioning, and it was the first study of its kind.
Albert Bandura
Albert Bandura proposed the theory of Social Learning. Bandura's theory added to Pavlovian Conditioning and Operant Conditioning theories by including two more ideas. He explained that children learned behavior from people around them (Bandura, 1977). Children learn by observing people around them. After observing, they begin imitating what they see. When they do an action that does not attract any punishment, they are encouraged to repeat that particular action (reinforce), when their action attracts punishment, they learn not to repeat the action (negative operant). His research was similar to Freud's study but not related. The experiments used for Social Learning was known as the Bobo Doll Experiment.
Comparison and Contrast
Operant and Classical differ in that Pavlov focused on explaining involuntary reflexes while Skinner was more concerned with action and reward/punishment. Thus, Pavlov's goal was to establish a neutral response before a reflex. On the other hand, Skinner established how to discourage or encourage habits in young children. However, both studies studied the end event in response to behavior or action. Bandura found a link between Pavlovian and Operant theories by proving that they were all true. Through Bandura, psychologists learn that human and animal behavior is simple and complex at the same time, the paradox of human nature.
Application of Learning Theories.
Learning theories are applied at home, schools, and organizations like corporate companies, industries, and the military. Some of the applications are described below.
Operant Conditioning is used by different organizations to increase the motivation of workers and reduce drudgery and absenteeism. Workers who meet their daily targets are rewarded with either cash bonuses or recognized as workers of the month. Additionally, in schools and homes, parents use operant Conditioning to correct the behavior of their children. Supermarkets, hotels and commercial businesses use operant Conditioning to attract customers during sales. The idea of offering customers' buy one get one free' is a form of operant Conditioning where customers are rewarded for buying a particular product. Eateries and supermarkets reward loyal customers with coupons and loyalty points to encourage them to shop there.
Classical Conditioning is applied in treating patients addicted to drugs through aversion therapy. An example is the use of methadone to treat heroin addiction. Another application is the treatment of phobia. People with certain phobias are exposed to the things they fear until they get over it. This treatment is called flooding. An example is exposing people who fear snakes to harmless snakes and encouraging them to touch them in zoos.
Social learning is used in organizations to train interns and new staff. Most new staff are usually unaware of organizational culture. They, therefore, learn by observation. Children in schools, daycares, and homes are also trained good behavior through social learning.
References
Bandura, A. (1977). Social learning theory . Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall .
McLeod, S. A. (2018, Oct 08). Pavlov's dogs . Simply psychology: https://www.simplypsychology.org/pavlov.html
Rad, Dana & Moraru, Roxana. (2012). Learning Theories - A Psychological Overview . Agora Pssycho-Pragmatica. Volume 2012. pp. 70-107.
Skinner, B. F. (1938). The Behaviour of organisms: An experimental analysis . New York: Appleton-Century.
