Book Review On Applying The Principles Of The Different Learning Theories

Give a specific example to explain how principles of classical conditioning are used by advertisers to sell products. Be sure to include terms discussed in class.
Advertisers used plenty of ways to motivate consumers to purchase the product they are endorsing. One of this ways is through the process of classical conditioning initially introduced by Ivan Pavlov. A perfect example for this is the New York Bestseller book entitled 50 Shades of Grey. This has become an instant hit. In fact, the book has sold millions of copies worldwide. To explain the favorable feedback of the consumer to the product is the ability of the author to utilize an unconditioned stimuli (UCS), in this case the concept of sex to illicit an unconditioned response (UCR), which is excitement. The conditioned stimulus (CS) here was the book, 50 Shades of Grey. The author lured the people to believe that the book will provide them the feeling of excitement that comes with the concept of sex. Considering that sex is a biological urge that requires satisfaction, the conditioned response (CR) of the consumers will be to buy the product
Give a brief example of each of the following. Please clearly state why each example demonstrates the corresponding phenomenon.
Positive Reinforcement – this is offering rewards as a motivation to encourage continuous execution of action. For example, when a child does better in school they are rewarded with a toy or something tangible to encourage the child to study well.
Negative reinforcement – this is in form of withdrawing the reinforcement for not complying. For example, a child who regularly gets a $10 allowance will not be given $10 after the child refuses to clean his room.
Punishment I - includes offering stimulus which may result to aversion. For example, if a criminal continues to lie in court under oath, he will held in contempt and sent to prison.
Punishment II – kind of punishment that involves removing a stimulus. For example, for failing a test a child’s cellphone or gaming console can be confiscated.
Give an example of each of the following reinforcement schedules. For each type of schedule, draw a graph of and explain the typical response pattern.

Fixed ratio

Reinforcement is only awarded after a specific number of responses has been initiated. For example, giving a dog a biscuit only after he has successfully jumped over five crates.

Variable ratio

Reinforcement is unpredicted. It may only be given after unspecified period when response is initiated. Example of this will be winning a lottery. Winning, which is the reinforcement may only be achieved after unspecified number of bets.

Fixed interval

In this case reinforcement is only given after a certain time has lapse. For example, in school students are given snack breaks only at a particular time to allow the students to take a break and recharge.

Variable interval

Reward is given at an unpredictable time. Therefore, no pause is necessary or documented under this schedule as reinforcement is spontaneously given.

Briefly describe how Thorndike’s Law of Effect is Similar to Darwin’s theory of natural selection. (5 points)

Edward Thorndike’s Law of Effect suggest that man is able to refine his behavior or learn rudimentary principles after experiencing its benefits. It is similar to Charles Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection in such a way that according to Darwin, the primates of have gradually perfected their ways simply through the principle of trial and error. In effect, those actions that allows them to experience some sort of satisfaction of benefit has been retained in them. For example, in the concept of survival, early primates has been able to survive the wilds in the wilderness after they have learned the benefits of a spear to protect themselves.