Free Article Review On Learning Theory Article

1. Animals are quite often used as subjects in different experiments. Learning theory was born thanks to researches in which animals were used. Using animals is convenient since variables in the experiments can be easily controlled. Certain behaviors found in animals are much simpler than in humans. The researches on animals can reveal important information about humans. However, there are limitations when using animals as subjects. First of all, communication with animals is limited. There is always a question whether the results of these researches can be applied on humans.

Examples of classical conditioning

I once saw a dancing bear and I was curious how the owners trained the bear. They told me that they turn the music on and put the bear on hot surface so that the animal had to rise its feet. By repeating this several times the poor bear started rising its feet every time the music is played.
I was in a car accident and after that I felt anxious from just getting in a car.

Examples of operant conditioning

My dog learned to sit and lie thanks to operant conditioning. Each time that he sits or lies I would give him a treat and now he does that when I tell him without a reward.
My friend has a 5 year old daughter who always cries when she doesn’t get what she wants. She learned to be persistent because at the end her parents buy her what she wants.
2. Cognitive processes are involved in classical and operant conditioning. In classical conditioning there is a necessity for awareness. A person is aware that events are related to each other. Operant conditioning in humans can involve certain expectations regarding consequences of a specific behavior. After my car accident I was afraid that the same scenario will strike me. Due to that expectation I was afraid from getting in the car.
3. The authors claim that learning causes physical changes in the brain. These changes can be seen thanks to techniques that enables visualization of brain. Certain alterations occur in the anatomy of the CNS. Another change occurs in the chemical structure of the neural synapses (neurotransmitters).
4. My father used to reward me every time I get a good grade. He would take me to the store and buy me a toy that I like. From a perspective of strict behaviorism a relation is created between a certain behavior (studying in this case) and the environmental factor (getting a toy). However, it is impossible to explain how this learning occurs without including expectation. I would agree that the rewarded behavior becomes an instrument for achieving a certain goal. Nevertheless, that behavior is manifested due to cognition and recognition that it will produce positive outcomes. This is why I think that learning, at least in humans, cannot be explained solely by S-R relation. Cognitive factors or O has to be included.
5. Self-efficacy is very important in the treatment of maladaptive behaviors. I overcame my fear after the accident thanks to this concept. By realizing that I have control over my vehicle the anxiety disappeared.
Goal setting is also quite useful. I realized that setting small goals is very beneficial for me. Accomplishing these small goals keeps me motivated and pushes me to perform better.
Self-monitoring can help people to improve their relations with others. After I became aware of certain reactions that are socially unacceptable I was able to control them. This improved my social functioning and I gained attention from others.
Self-evaluation and self-reinforcement is something that I have problem with. I can be quite judgmental after I finish something. I am never satisfied with how I did something. That is why I often struggle with a lack of motivation.
6. Cognitive behavioral therapy is quite interesting. I think that eliminating negative thoughts is very challenging. They have to be detected first and that requires a high level of awareness and self-monitoring. Than those thoughts need to be altered which is difficult. I understand that this therapy is primarily focused on performing behaviors that are rewarded. However, the second, cognitive phase is much more interesting.