Learning: Early Beginnings to Modern Times (Homework 1)

Q1. Compare and contrast Plato’s and Aristotle theory of knowledge. Include terms like nativism, empiricism, and rationalism.

Q2. Describe and elaborate on three philosophers after Descartes who followed Aristotle’s tradition of empiricism and two that followed Plato’s tradition of nativism.

What is learning? (Homework 2)

Q3. Give the Kimble’s definition of learning. Elucidate strengths and problems with this definition.

Q4. Explain why is it important to study learning?

Q5. Why is learning important to survival?

How to study learning? (Homework 3)

Q6. List and briefly describe decisions that are involved in the setting up, running and analyzing a learningexperiment.

Q7. Describe the characteristics of a theory. Differentiate between a theory and a model.

Ivan Petrovich Pavlov (Homework 4)

Q8. How does Pavlov explain the physiological basis of conditioning?

Q9. Why does Rescorla say that classical conditioning occurs due to contingency between CS-US and not contiguity between the two stimuli! Describe Rescorla (1966) study to elucidate this point.

Q10. Explain in detail three criticisms of classical conditioning.

Edwin Ray Guthrie (Homework 5)

Q11. Summarize Guthrie's views on punishment.

Q12. Why do law of contiguity and one trial learning necessitates recency principle.

Q13. Describe Voeks’ postulates in formalizing Guthrie’s theory.

Edward Lee Thorndike (Homework 6)

Q14. Explain in your own word the concept of belongingness. How Thorndike argues against Gestalt’s ideas of using this concept, by using the principle of polarity.

Q15. What Thorndike means when he says that identical elements in a familiar and an unfamiliar situation result in the transfer of training.

Burrhus Frederic Skinner (Homework 7)
Q16. Would you use the same reinforcers to manipulate the behavior of both children and adults? If not what would make the difference?.

Q17. What is partial reinforcement effect? Briefly describe the basic reinforcement schedules that Skinner studied

Q18. Explain the difference between Premack’s and Timberlake’s views of reinforcers.

Clark Hull (Homework 8)

Q19.Based on the data (see below) make a learning curve using postulate IV (use this formula for habit strength: SHR = 1- 1/100.0305N). Explain how magnitude of reinforcement increases learning?

Q20.Describe two-factor theory that Mowrer developed to explain avoidance conditioning. In your answer be sure to explain sign and solution learning.

Q21.Explain how extinction of a response takes place in Hull, Spence and Amsel theories? Make sure you explain the differences.

Reinforced Trial (N) / Habit Strength / Reinforced Trial (N) / Habit Strength
0 / 22
2 / 24
4 / 26
6 / 28
8 / 30
10 / 50
12 / 100
14
16
18
20

Edward Tolman (Homework 10)

Q22. Explain latent learning. Describe one or two experiments that support evidence for it.

Q23. Differentiate between response and place learning. Relate theoretical (behavioral, cognitive) underpinnings to explain these differences.

Gestalt School on learning (Homework 9)
Q24. Explain transposition, both from the point of view of Gestalt psychologists and behaviorists (Spence, pp 259-263). Which explanation do you think is better?

Q25. What is law of Prägnanz? What is meant by it being the overriding principle in Gestalt theory?

Jean Piaget (Homework 11)

Q26. Into what camp does Piaget’s theory fall?

Q27. What is meant by equilibration? How does the process work with reference to assimilation and accommodation?

Albert Bandura (Homework 12)

Q27. Reciprocal determinism, what is it?

Q28. Compare Tolman’s and Bandura’s cognitive theories of learning.

Donald O. Hebb (Homework 13)

Q29.Discuss Lashley’s concepts of mass action and equipotentiality?

Q30.Discuss switchboard conception of the brain. What was Hebb’s opposition to such a conception and what did he offer as an alternative?

Current Trends in Learning (Homework 14)

Q31. In your opinion which are the two most important unanswered questions regarding learning.