Learning approach

Main assumptions of the learning approach.

• We all begin life as a blank slate. Experiences and interactions with the environment shape our behaviour and these changes are directly observable.
• We learn through the processes of operant conditioning, classical conditioning and social learning. This can be understood using the stimulus-response model.

This matters because learning approach - main assumptions determines what can be inferred or chosen; begin with the stated conditions and keep the conclusion tied to the evidence.

Example: apply learning approach - main assumptions to one small, clearly defined case, show the key step or comparison, and explain the result in words.

Boundary: Learning approach - main assumptions is not a universal recommendation. Check the syllabus scope, assumptions, units and the limits of the evidence before generalising.

Bandura et al. (aggression).

• Bandura, A, Ross, D and Ross, S A (1961), Transmission of aggression through imitation of aggressive models. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 63(3): 575-82.
• The study by Bandura et al. tested social learning theory. The study investigated whether a child would imitate aggressive behaviour if they witnessed such behaviour in an adult. The study was an experiment comparing several variables using observation as a technique to collect data.
• The psychology being investigated includes: social learning theory; aggression.
• For this study, candidates should understand the background, aims, procedure and methodology as appropriate (research method, sample and demographics, sampling technique, experimental design, controls, question types, data-collection technique, and measured and manipulated variables), ethical issues, quantitative and qualitative results and their representation and interpretation, conclusions, and strengths and weaknesses; describe and evaluate the methodology; and relate the study to psychological issues and debates.

This matters because bandura et al. (aggression) determines what can be inferred or chosen; begin with the stated conditions and keep the conclusion tied to the evidence.

Example: apply bandura et al. (aggression) to one small, clearly defined case, show the key step or comparison, and explain the result in words.

Boundary: Bandura et al. (aggression) is not a universal recommendation. Check the syllabus scope, assumptions, units and the limits of the evidence before generalising.

Fagen et al. (elephant learning).

• Fagen, A, Acharya, N and Kaufman, G E (2014), Positive Reinforcement Training for a Trunk Wash in Nepal's Working Elephants: Demonstrating Alternatives to Traditional Elephant Training Techniques. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 17(2): 83-97.
• The study by Fagen et al. investigated the use of positive reinforcement training for trunk washing in a group of working elephants to improve captive management and welfare. Secondary reinforcement training was used to train the elephants to perform specific behaviours. The research method was an observation with success measured using a behavioural checklist.
• The psychology being investigated includes: operant conditioning; reinforcement (positive, negative, primary and secondary); shaping; behavioural chaining.
• For this study, candidates should understand the background, aims, procedure and methodology as appropriate (research method, sample and demographics, sampling technique, experimental design, controls, question types, data-collection technique, and measured and manipulated variables), ethical issues, quantitative and qualitative results and their representation and interpretation, conclusions, and strengths and weaknesses; describe and evaluate the methodology; and relate the study to psychological issues and debates.

This matters because fagen et al. (elephant learning) determines what can be inferred or chosen; begin with the stated conditions and keep the conclusion tied to the evidence.

Example: apply fagen et al. (elephant learning) to one small, clearly defined case, show the key step or comparison, and explain the result in words.

Boundary: Fagen et al. (elephant learning) is not a universal recommendation. Check the syllabus scope, assumptions, units and the limits of the evidence before generalising.

Saavedra and Silverman (button phobia).

• Saavedra, L M and Silverman, W K (2002), Case study: disgust and a specific phobia of buttons. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 41(11): 1376-79 Saavedra and Silverman studied a child with button phobia. They investigated how classical conditioning can be used to treat a child's phobia by targeting disgust and fear responses. The case study research method was used with interviews, various scales and observations as techniques.
• The psychology being investigated includes: evaluative learning; operant conditioning; classical conditioning; phobias.
• For this study, candidates should understand the background, aims, procedure and methodology as appropriate (research method, sample and demographics, sampling technique, experimental design, controls, question types, data-collection technique, and measured and manipulated variables), ethical issues, quantitative and qualitative results and their representation and interpretation, conclusions, and strengths and weaknesses; describe and evaluate the methodology; and relate the study to psychological issues and debates.

This matters because saavedra and silverman (button phobia) determines what can be inferred or chosen; begin with the stated conditions and keep the conclusion tied to the evidence.

Example: apply saavedra and silverman (button phobia) to one small, clearly defined case, show the key step or comparison, and explain the result in words.

Boundary: Saavedra and Silverman (button phobia) is not a universal recommendation. Check the syllabus scope, assumptions, units and the limits of the evidence before generalising.