Learning Theories, Behaviorism And Social Cognitive Theory

Introduction Learning is a complex process that influences the knowledge and behaviours that humans do, or do not develop to adapt to a variety of situations (Ormrod, 2016). However, for people with disability, this learning process can often be hindered by the lack of abilities, or external and internal stimuli such as prejudice and self-efficacy respectively (Conyers, Enright, Strauser, 1998). The following essay will discuss two learning theories, behaviourism and social cognitive theory (SCT), in relation to disability practices. Behaviourism explains learning through stimulus-response associations, with the two main theories being classical conditioning and operant conditioning (Ormrod, 2016). For professionals in disability,†¦show more content†¦Generally, there is a pre-existing unconditioned stimulus (UCS) that elicits an unconditioned response (UCR) from the organism without it having to be learnt (Ormrod, 2016). For learning to occur, a neutral stimulus (NS) that the organism does not already respond to is introduced (Ormrod, 2016). This NS is repeatedly paired with the UCS until it elicits a response, typically, one that is similar to the UCR; however, it can also be different to the UCR (Ormrod, 2016). The NS then becomes a conditioned stimulus (CS) that elicits a learned, conditioned response (CR) (Ormrod, 2016). Sometimes, the CR can also be elicited by a stimulus similar to the CS due to generalisation (Ormrod, 2016). However, stimulus discrimination can be used to teach organisms to differentiate such similar stimuli, by presenting them in the absence of the UCS (Spencer, Hartstone, Carter, Grivas, 2007). Learning through classical conditioning can occur rapidly, and is most effective when the NS is presented immediately before the UCS (Ormrod, 2016). Moreover, associative bias suggests that associations are more likely to be made between stimuli that reflect a true cause-and-effect relationship (Ormrod, 2016). Additionally, extinction of the CR w ill occur if the CS is repeatedly presented without the UCS (Spencer et al., 2007). Nonetheless, spontaneous recovery can occur, wherein, after extinction, the CR reappears, albeit, weaker (Ormrod, 2016). Thus, in eliminatingShow MoreRelatedBehaviorism or Social Cognitive Learning Theory1429 Words   |  6 Pages Behaviorism and social cognitive theories are two great theories to use when setting up a behavior management plan in the classroom. They both offer reinforcements to get desired behaviors. Social cognitive theory focuses on observations that can be used to understand what and how people learn and how they take control of their own behavior (Ormrod, 2011, p. 323). Behaviorism focuses on environmental stimuli that changes individual’s behaviors (Ormrod, 2011, p. 285). 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