Posted: July 1st, 2014
Insight Learning
Insight Learning
You already have examined cognitive processes in learning, which suggest that learning requires a mental process. All forms of cognitive learning depend on mental rather than behavioral processes. One frequently cited example of cognitive learning is the concept of insight learning. Insight learning also is classified as a type of gestalt learning because the perspective requires looking at the whole picture of behavioral and mental processes. With insight learning, you think and think about a problem, and you try one solution and then another. Suddenly you have an “aha” moment and realize how to solve the problem. Your assigned reading, “Learning” explains a famous study in which psychologist Wolfgang Köhler demonstrated the concept of insight learning with chimps. In this explanation and the optional supplemental video clip showing a pigeon and insight learning, you see the steps that occur between the desire to solve the problem and the “aha” moment. Even though insight learning is frequently cited to justify why behavior alone cannot explain learning, some psychologists disagree. Psychologists with a strictly behavioral perspective suggest that insight learning is a type of reinforcement that can be explained by operant conditioning.
To prepare for this assignment:
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• Review the assigned pages in Chapter 6 of the course text, Learning and Behavior, and pay particular attention to the section on insightful problem solving.
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• Download and review Chapter 6, “Learning,” from the text Psychology: Core Concepts. Focus on the sections about insight learning.
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• Think of a personal example or a realistic hypothetical example of an “aha” moment, and consider the steps that might occur between the desire to solve the problem and the “aha” moment.
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• Consider whether you believe that insight learning requires a mental process or is better explained by reinforcement.
With these thoughts in mind: Assignment 1-page
Write a personal or realistic hypothetical example of an “aha” moment. Explain the steps that might occur between the desire to solve the problem and the “aha” moment. Using your example, explain and justify your belief about whether insight learning requires a mental process or can be explained by reinforcement.
Note: No Plagiarism, APA style format and must be cited with references. Thank you
References:
o Chance, P. (2014). Learning and behavior (7th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth
o Chapter 4, “Pavlovian Applications” (pp. 96–101)
o Chapter 6, “Reinforcement: Beyond Habit” (pp. 176-180 and pp. 187-189)
• Book Excerpt: Zimbardo, P. G., Johnson, R. L., & Weber, A. L. (2005). Learning. In Psychology: Core concepts (pp. 224–269). Boston: Pearson. Retrieved from http://www.ablongman.com/samplechapter/0205424287.pdf
• Article: Tangen, K. (2009). Julian Rotter. Retrieved from http://kentangen.com/psychnut/rotter/
• Article: Mearns, J. (2009). The social learning theory of Julian B. Rotter. Retrieved from http://psych.fullerton.edu/jmearns/rotter.htm
Web Sites
• The Locus of Control
http://www.psych.uncc.edu/pagoolka/LC.html
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