Animal Learning, Conditioning, and Memory
Animal Learning and Cognition
Definition of Learning
Learning is a relatively permanent change in behavior resulting from practice. It involves a new behavior with a high degree of permanence, arising from activity and previous experience.
Types of Learning
Classical Conditioning (Pavlov)
An experiment with dogs showed that they secrete saliva to food stimuli. When a neutral stimulus (like a bell) is associated with food, the neutral stimulus alone can trigger salivation.
Operant Conditioning
Discovered by Thorndike, who observed cats learning to open a box for food. Skinner further developed this, using pigeons and rats. Operant conditioning involves reinforcement (reward) or punishment to shape behavior.
Law of Effect: A response followed by satisfaction is strengthened.
A response is strengthened by repetition, especially with random rewards.
Observational Learning
Also known as imitation, where observing another’s behavior leads to a change in one’s own. According to Bandura, it involves:
- Acquisition: Observing a behavior.
- Retention: Storing the behavior in memory.
- Execution: Performing the behavior.
- Reinforcement: Receiving approval for imitating.
Knowledge and Experience
The debate between rationalism (reason) and empiricism (sense) concerns the basis of knowledge.
Rationalism
Reason is the primary source of knowledge, as senses can deceive. There are innate ideas in the mind. Key authors include Descartes and Spinoza.
Empiricism
All knowledge comes from experience. There are no innate ideas; the mind is a blank slate. Key authors include Hume and Locke.
Memory
Memory and Its Types
Definition: Memory is the ability to remember and recall the past, storing and retrieving information. It is essential for identity. Memory types include:
Long-Term Memory (LTM)
Stores information for extended periods, using mechanisms like repetition and learning.
Short-Term Memory (STM)
Stores information briefly, with a lower capacity and quick forgetting.
Forgetting
Forgetting is necessary for survival. Remembering every detail would be overwhelming. It is also a defense mechanism, unconsciously blocking unpleasant or shocking memories.