Learning Methods

Definition of Learning Methods

Learning is how we perceive, interpret, and understand new information or obtain new knowledge. We can learn through experiences, instruction, or observation. The foundation of learning is attributed to the Law of Effect by Edward Thorndike. The Law of Effect states that behaviors with positive consequences are usually repeated and behaviors with negative consequences are less likely to be repeated.

Types of Learning Methods

The five types of learning methods in psychology are classical conditioning, operant conditioning, latent learning, learning through insight, and social learning (observational learning).

Classical Conditioning

Classical conditioning is an unconscious way of learning to associate two things in your environment. You might be familiar with Pavlov's famous classical conditioning experiment using a bell, food, and dogs. Classical conditioning not only works on animals but humans too.

In aversive conditioning, there is an unpleasant association between two things in our environment that teaches us to avoid one or both of these things. In the famous experiment with Little Albert by John Watson, the baby learned to associate small, furry animals with a loud, sudden bang. Initially, Albert did not fear the small white animal. After repeated pairing with a loud, scary noise, Albert cried every time the small animal was brought near him.

Operant Conditioning

Operant conditioning is learning through rewards and punishment. When a child is taught to use the potty, parents often reward the child for using the potty instead of a diaper. After a few tries, the child learns that using the bathroom will bring a reward and repeats the behavior in hopes of receiving another reward each time.

In aversive operant conditioning, we learn to escape, avoid, or feel completely helpless. Escape is when an animal or person tries to escape a negative experience that is already happening. This is like when a cat tries to escape getting splashed with water. Avoidance is when someone tries to get away from a negative experience before it even happens. A person might try to avoid going out in the direct sun if they have fair skin to avoid getting burned.

However, learning to feel completely helpless is a bit more complicated. Learned helplessness happens after repeated negative experiences. After trying and failing to avoid or escape, the person or animal stops trying to get away. There may still be a way out that they have not found yet, but they give up trying. They no longer believe that escape or avoidance is possible.

Latent Learning

Latent learning is learning in the absence of rewards. Latent learning can also be called cognitive learning since it does initially involve any behavior changes. When a child learns how to do something through observation, they may not display what they have learned right away. In a month or two, if they are presented with the same situation, they might display what they learned earlier on. Even though the child learns and retains the information at one point in time, they do not display what they have learned until later on.

Learning by Insight

Learning by insight is the sudden solution to a specific problem popping up in our minds. Usually, there is a reason we arrive at a solution, but we are not consciously aware of the reasoning process. When something is on the tip of your tongue, but you remember it a moment later, this is a great example of insight! Another example is trying to figure out how to move furniture through a door. You suddenly remember to use a chair to hold the door open and turn the furniture sideways to fit it through the opening. These ideas pop up in your mind seemingly out of nowhere!

Social Learning

Social learning is also called observational learning or vicarious learning. Social learning is all about observing and imitating behavior. Social learning is very common in children, as they often mimic the behaviors and attitudes of adults. We observe behavior in others and learn by studying their actions and watching if they are rewarded or punished for their behavior. We learn both how to do something and what the consequences might be. In the workplace, adults often learn new job skills by observing or shadowing more experienced workers.

Examples of the Learning Methods

Any of the learning methods can happen through chaining and shaping, but the most common way that we learn is through operant conditioning. Chaining is a sequence of behaviors that are reinforced or rewarded until the whole process or behavior is learned. Shaping reinforces simple versions of a more complicated behavior as the versions get gradually harder over time until the person has mastered the more complicated behavior.

Creativity and Learning Methods

The way that we learn is often through a creative process. Creative learning allows us to use our unique learning and problem-solving abilities and apply them to how we practice and remember new information or skills. An example of creativity in learning is creating acronyms for information that you need to remember. Creativity can help you do better on exams or perform better in a job. Creative learning can also occur through trial and error. Each individual learns differently, making creative learning important for everyone!