Learning Theories                                                                                             La Salle University

PSY 410                                                                                               Department of Psychology

Spring, 2004                                                                                             David J. Falcone, Ph.D.

http://www.lasalle.edu/~falcone

 

Course Description

This course examines the empirical and theoretical foundations of our present understanding of learning theory.  Special attention will be given to the recent advancements which have been built on a solid history of empirical psychology. In addition, we will attempt to apply the findings of learning theory to the understanding of significant questions and applications of daily living.

 

Course objectives

            1.          an appreciation of  the complex nature of "learning" in both the animal and human learner; and the difficulties that are part of attempting to describe and understand the phenomenon of learning;

            2.         a knowledge of the history of scholarly activities that presently give shape to our knowledge of learning;

            3.         an understanding of the major questions facing the fields of learning theory, the methods and strategies used to address these questions, and progress accomplished in answering these questions;

            4.         a knowledge of  the general theories which attempt to explain major aspects of learning;

 

Class Format

The majority of class time will involve lecture and discussion.  You will get the most out of each our meetings if you come prepared.  This requires at least two activities.  First, complete the readings for each class.  There will be classes that make no sense if you arrived and have not read the material.  Second, contemplate the previous class and determine what remains unclear or confusing.  I will start each class by asking if have questions concerning previously covered material.  This will be a good opportunity to tell where you need assistance.

 

Requirements

            Text:    Principles of Learning and Behavior 5th Ed by Michael Domjan

 

You are responsible for lecture, discussion and textbook content.  Grades will be awarded based on scores received on three exams.  Each exam is worth 33% of the final grade, respectively.  Occasionally,  projects may be assigned which are not graded but must be judged as satisfactory and completed to meet the objective of the course.

 

                The following notes are included primarily to reinforce the importance of fairness and the integrity of the classroom for all students.

Absenteeism:  You are expected to be in class.  Missing classes will result in a reduction of your grade.

Lateness:  Class role is taken at the beginning of class.  If you are not in class when role is taken you are marked absent for the day.

Homework:  All assignments must be completed and turned in at the beginning of class on the date that it is due.

Missed Exams:  The exam dates are posted on the syllabus.  Missed exams result in a failing grade on the exam.  If the exam is missed for medical reasons, a written medical excuse signed by a physician and which includes a phone number to verify the absence must be provided.  All other excuses will require similar verification.

Cheating and Plagiarism:  Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated.  Any indication of either activity will result in an immediate failure for the course.  While study and doing homework in groups is encouraged, all resulting work that is turned in MUST be the work of each INDIVIDUAL student.

Learning Theories

 

Date

Topic

Readings: Chapter:pages

39

Jan 12

Introduction

1:1-26

38

14

37

16

Elicited Behavior

2:28-44, 51-56

36

21

35

23

34

26

Classical Conditioning: Foundations

3:59-75, 79-82

33

28

32

30

31

Feb 2

30

4

Mechanisms

4:91-100, 108-116

29

6

28

9

27

11

26

13

Exam 1

25

16

Instrumental Conditioning: Foundations

5:124-145, 158

24

18

23

20

22

23

Schedules

6:162-172

21

25

Choice

6:172-173, 182-186

20

27

19

Mar 8

18

10

17

12

Motivational Mechanisms: Reinf Theory

7:191-195, 199-208

16

15

15

17

14

19

Stimulus Control of Behavior

8:217-236

13

22

12

24

11

26

Exam 2

10

29

Aversive Control: Avoidance & Punishment

10: 279-288, 301-305308-311

9

31

8

Apr 2

67

5

Animal Cognition:  Memory Mechanisms

11:313-332

56

7

45

14

34

16

23

19

Animal Cognition:  Special Topics

12:  352-354, 369-374

12

21

1

23

0

Exam Week

Exam 3

Holroyd Hall 11C        951-11684        falcone@lasalle.edu        http://www.lasalle.edu/~falcone