Psychology of Learning
EXP4404
Chapter 12: The Limits of Learning
Dr. Steve
Topics Covered
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Physical Characteristics
Nonheritability of Learned Behavior
Heredity and Learning Ability
Neurological Damage and Learning
Critical Periods
Preparedness and Learning
Limits of Learning
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Is behavior instinctual or learned through
experience?
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Some suggest that “lower” animals act mostly by
instinct, but “higher” animals act mostly through
learning
Some animals have more limitations as to what they
can learn than do others due to biological/physical
constraints
Limits of Learning
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Interchangeable Parts Assumption (IPA) –
Limits of Learning
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Physical Characteristics
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Chimpanzees and Gorillas cannot learn to talk, but
can learn to use sign language (see Washoe or Koko)
Nonheritability of Learned
Behaviors
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Lamarck
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McDougall
Heredity and Learning Ability
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Learned behaviors cannot be passed down to
next generation, but ability to learn can
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(see Idiocracy)
Tryon (1940)
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Wolf vs Dog pups
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Neurological Damage and
Learning
Critical Periods
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Critical Periods
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Imprinting
Critical Periods
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Imprinting distinct from learning in that:
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Imprinting has . . .
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Only certain kinds of stimuli
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No practice required
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Extinction & punishment are . . .
Preparedness and Learning
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Seligman (1970)
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Instinctive drift
Sets limits on learning
Revert back to innate tendencies
Preparedness and Learning
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Behaviors may be easy or difficult to learn
depending on . . .
Highly
Prepared
SSDRs
ContraPrepared
Neutral
Taste
Aversions
Bar
Pressing
Raccoon
Trick
Dog Not
Wagging Tail
Preparedness and Learning
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Olton
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Rats perform well, pigeons do not
Preparedness and Learning
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Garcia Effect
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Garcia tested
Principles of taste aversion
Saccharine + lights
+ Noise (CS)
X-radiation or Shock
(US)
Predisposition to associate taste (rather than external cues) with sickness
Preparedness and Learning
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Why are some responses more easily
associated with some stimuli than others?