Module 3: How Do People Learn?

In this module, we will discuss ways in which people learn. There are volumes on learning and the many theories developed by behavioral scientists that study learning. This module highlights some of the theories and uses familiar examples to illustrate how we think learning takes place.

There are many ways in which people learn. How do babies learn to talk? How does a child learn to ride a bike? How did you learn the Kreb's Cycle? How did you learn to do a physical examination?

Mimicry

We all learn by copying behaviors.

Babies copy sounds they hear

Medical students learn to suture by watching it done

Stimulus and Response

A specific response is associated with a specific stimulus

2+2=

Traffic light turns red, foot moves to the brake

Traffic light turns yellow, foot presses on the accelerator, speed through the intersection, too late, light turns red, red and blue light flashing in the mirror.

Associated with stimulus and response learning are positive and negative reinforcers that determine if the response is retained or deleted.