PSYC 110 Week 3 Discussion: Learning & Memory

Student Name

Chamberlain University

PSYC-110: Psychology

Prof. Name

Date

Discussion: Learning and Memory

Option 1

Psychologists describe learning as a relatively enduring change in behavior or knowledge that occurs through experience. One way this is demonstrated is through observational learning. For example, imagine a child (observer) watching her older brother (model) carefully arrange his schoolbooks. When their parents praise him for being organized, the child perceives this as a rewarding outcome. Motivated by this, she mimics the behavior by organizing her toys in a similar fashion.

Although classical conditioning and operant conditioning are frequently highlighted in psychology, they are not the only ways in which learning occurs. However, both have profound effects on daily life.

Question: Reflect on your own experiences with classical and operant conditioning and write a two-paragraph essay, each containing three examples from your life.

Answer:
Classical conditioning often influences subtle behaviors in my life. For instance, whenever I switch on my white noise machine before bed, I begin to feel drowsy because I now associate the sound with sleep. Another example is my reaction to the smell of popcorn at the cinema, which instantly makes me crave snacks, linking the scent with previous movie-going experiences. Lastly, the sound of my alarm tone makes me feel alert and slightly anxious because I associate it with the urgency of waking up on time for important commitments.

Operant conditioning also shapes my behavior in practical ways. For example, I cook dinner more frequently because my family praises my effort, which reinforces my desire to continue. Similarly, I dedicate more time to studying after receiving positive grades, as the outcomes encourage consistent effort. A final example involves exercising; when I receive compliments on my improved fitness, I am more motivated to keep working out, as the positive reinforcement strengthens the habit.

PSYC 110 Week 3 Discussion: Learning and Memory

Habituation refers to the process of becoming accustomed to a stimulus after repeated exposure. This adaptation allows individuals to ignore irrelevant or repetitive environmental cues, conserving energy and attention for more important tasks.

Question: Identify three instances in your life where habituation has taken place and write a paragraph describing those experiences.

Answer:
I experienced habituation when I first moved into a neighborhood near train tracks. Initially, the noise disrupted my sleep, but after a few weeks, I barely noticed the sound. Another example is living in a house where the ticking of the clock was initially distracting, but over time, I became so used to it that it faded into the background. Finally, when I started working in a busy café, the constant chatter and sound of the espresso machine were overwhelming, but after several shifts, I adapted and could focus on my tasks without being distracted by the noise.

Table: Examples of Learning Processes

References

Brookfield, S. D. (1995). Becoming a critically reflective teacher. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Brown, S., & Knight, P. (1998). Assessing learners in higher education (1st ed.). London, UK; Philadelphia, PA: Routledge.