Page 1 - LN 2_Learning

Class - XI

Psychology

Chapter 6: Learning

MODULE - 2

(Topics: Key Learning Processes, Observational Learning, Cognitive Learning)

Short Note

KEY LEARNING PROCESSES

Reinforcement

▪ A positive reinforcer increases the rate of response that precedes its
presentation.
▪ Negative reinforcers increase the rate of the response that precedes their
removal or termination.
▪ A primary reinforcer is biologically important since it determines the
organism’s survival (e.g., food).
▪ A secondary reinforcer is one which has acquired characteristics of the
reinforcer. (e.g., money, praise).

Extinction
▪ Means disappearance of a learned response due to removal of reinforcement

from the situation.
▪ Learning shows resistance to extinction. During depends on factors.
▪ Resistance to extinction increases if-
➢ Increasing no. of reinforced trials
➢ Increasing number of reinforcements during acquisition trials.
➢ Delayed or partial Reinforcements

Generalisation

▪ The phenomenon of responding similarly to similar stimuli is known as
generalization.
▪ It is a response due to similarity.
▪ Occurrence of this means failure of discrimination.
Discrimination

▪ The phenomenon of responding differently to similar stimuli is known as
discrimination.