Page 3 - LN 2_Learning

COGNITIVE LEARNING
▪ Rather than concentrating solely on S-R or S-S connections, Psychologist focus
on such processes that occur during learning.
▪ In cognitive learning. There is a change in what the learner knows rather than

what s/he does.
▪ This form of learning shows up in
1. Insight Learning
2. Latent Learning

Insight Learning
▪ Kohler demonstrated a model of learning.

▪ He performed a series of experiments with chimpanzees that involved solving
complex problems.
▪ Kohler placed chimpanzees in an enclosed play area where food was kept out
of their reach.
▪ Tools such as poles and boxes were placed in the enclosure.
▪ The chimpanzees rapidly learned how to use a box to stand on or a pole to
move the food in their direction.

▪ In this experiment, learning did not occur as a result of trial and error and
reinforcement, but came about in sudden flashes of insight.
▪ The chimpanzee exhibited what Kohler called insight learning – the process by
which the solution to a problem suddenly becomes clear.
▪ In a normal experiment on insight learning, a problem is presented, followed
by a period of time when no apparent progress is made and finally a solution
suddenly emerges.

▪ In insight learning, sudden solution is the rule.
▪ Thus, it is clear that what is learned is not a specific set of conditioned
associations between stimuli and responses but a cognitive relationship
between a means and an end.

Latent Learning

▪ Another type of cognitive learning is known as latent learning.
▪ In latent learning, a new behaviour is learned but not demonstrated until
reinforcement is provided for displaying it.
▪ Tolman made an early contribution to the concept of latent learning.
▪ Tolman put two groups of rats in a maze and gave them an opportunity to
explore.
▪ In one group, rats found food at the end of the maze and soon learned to make
their way rapidly through the maze.