Introduction to Psychology 1/IPSY102/Learning/Overview

“	Don't become a mere recorder of facts, but try to penetrate the mystery of their origin.	”
—Ivan Pavlov

Why does the sound of a dentist's drill make you uncomfortable? How does a song on the radio change your mood? In this pathway you will learn about how humans and other animals learn through association. As you make your way through the pathway, consider the everyday implications, both unintentional and intentional, of the non-conscious and automatic form of learning known as classical conditioning.

Orientation

Video signpost: Learning and classical conditioning

Objectives

By the end of this learning pathway you should be able to:

• Explain how learned behaviours are different from instincts and reflexes
• Define learning
• Recognize and define three basic forms of learning: classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and observational learning
• Explain how classical conditioning occurs
• Summarize the processes of acquisition, extinction, spontaneous recovery, generalization, and discrimination