Page 105 - DMGT518_TRAINING_AND_DEVELOPMENT_SYSTEM

Training and Development System

Notes stimulus is called unconditioned response. As a result of the pairing of the conditioned stimulus
with unconditioned stimulus, the previously natural conditioned stimulus comes to elicit the
response. Then it is called the conditioned response.

Example: The famous Pavlov experiment.

Reinforcer is something like a reward. This is another learning situation considered distinct
from classical conditioning. Reinforcement is the key word for understanding operant conditioning.
A reinforcer is any stimulus or situation that strengthens the response which precedes it.

Example: Praise for a child’s achievement and a well done from the boss for some
accomplishment.

7.1.2 Cognitive Learning

Many of the learning situations for human beings will not fall under classical and operant
conditioning. People learn something by simply being exposed to it.

Example: You read a book and you are exposed to the information contained in it. Thus,
you have learned something in the process.
Learning situations where information is stored and processed by mind without explicit
manipulation of reinforcers is called cognitive.

Did u know? The literal meaning of the word ‘cognitive’ is processing of input from the
senses.
Learning is a relatively permanent change in behaviour as a result of experience. Putting these
two words together, cognitive learning can be defined as a change in the way information is
processed as a result of experience a person has had.

Verbal and skill learning are the most important of human learning. Verbal learning is through
cognitive processes. The main stages of verbal learning are the input of information, the storage
of information, and information retrieval. Many techniques are available for verbal learning.
Skill learning takes place in stages. The first stage is cognitive stage and involves learning what
is required in the task. The second stage is association stage where the skill is perfected. In the
third, the stage of automation, the skill becomes automatic. Important factors in the acquisition
of skills are feedback, practice and transfer from previous skills that have been learned.

Self Assessment

Fill in the blanks:
1. Learning is concerned with bringing about relatively permanent changes as a result of
......................................

2. Learning situations where information is stored and processed by mind without explicit
manipulation of reinforcers is called ................................
3. A ....................................... is any stimulus or situation that strengthens the response which
precedes it.

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