Psychology Discussion Board

 

The principles of the learning theories are evident in our every day lives in many ways, some obvious and some more subtle.  

This is an opportunity to identify examples and demonstrate your understanding by applying the principles to situations you have observed or experienced.  You may focus on classical conditioning, operant conditioning, or observational learning.   It will be important to identify the each step in the process.   For example, if you discuss classical conditioning, be sure to clearly identify the USC, UCR, CS, and CR.   Similarly, if you have an example of operant conditioning, be clear on what behavior changes, what consequence leads to the change, and whether (and why)  it is positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment, negative punishment, or extinction.    For observational learning, identify the characteristic(s) that would lead to the choice of a  role model.  

Do not use an example that appears in the textbook or in the practice exercises.