UNIT4+AOS+1+Learning+Revision+Podcasts

__**UNIT 4 PSYCHOLOGY - VCAA study design 2011-2014**__


 * AREA OF STUDY 1**


 * Learning Revision Podcasts**


 * To download these podcasts you can go to Studywiz. If you have any feedback about content or sound quality please email me: ricci.edwina.j@edumail.vic.gov.au

How do we learn? Why do some people learn faster than others? How important are role models in shaping behaviour? This area of study explores the characteristics of learning as a process that plays a part in determining behaviour. Students study the neural basis of learning, and examine different types of learning: classical conditioning, operant conditioning, observational learning, one-trial learning, trial and error learning, insight learning and latent learning. Behaviour not dependent on learning is also explored.

As students analyse and evaluate the contribution that classic and contemporary studies have made to this field of study, they consider the techniques used to gather data and the associated ethical implications. Students apply appropriate methods of psychological research and ethical principles when undertaking their own research investigations.

On completion of this unit the student should be able to explain the neural basis of learning, and compare and contrast different theories of learning and their applications. To achieve this outcome the student will draw on key knowledge outlined in Area of Study 1 and related key skills outlined on page 13 and research methodologies on page 28.
 * Outcome 1**

__//Key Knowledge//:__ media type="file" key="_LEARNING - DP1 Behaviours not dependent on learning.mp3" width="240" height="20"
 * behaviours not dependent on learning including reflex action, fixed action patterns and behaviours due to physical growth and development (maturation)
 * mechanisms of learning:
 * areas of the brain and neural pathways involved in learning, synapse formation, role of neurotransmitters
 * media type="file" key="LEARNING - DP2 Mechanisms of Learning - i areas of the brain and neural pathways involved in learning, synapse formation, role of neurtransmitters.mp3" width="240" height="20"
 * developmental plasticity and adaptive plasticity of the brain: changes to the brain in response to learning and experience; timing of experiences
 * media type="file" key="LEARNING - dp2 Mechanisms of Learning - ii developmental plasticity and adaptive plasticity of the brain- changes to the brain in response to learning and experEdwina Ricci's Album 1.mp3"
 * use of imaging technologies in identification of localised changes in the brain due to learning specific tasks
 * media type="file" key="LEARNING - dp2 Mechanisms of Learning - iii use of imaging technologies in identification of localised changes in teh brain due to learning specific tasks.mp3"

>> reproduction, motivation, reinforcement as informed by Albert Bandura’s (1961, 1963a, 1963b) >> experiments with children > including John Watson’s ‘Little Albert’ experiment > introduction to the unit. >
 * applications of, and comparisons of, learning theories:
 * classical conditioning as informed by Ivan Pavlov: roles of neutral, unconditioned, conditioned stimuli; unconditioned and conditioned responses
 * media type="file" key="LEARNING - dp3 Applications of, adn comparisons of, learning theories - i classical conditioning.mp3"
 * media type="file" key="LEARNING - dp3 applications of learning - a summary of classical conditioning.mp3"
 * applications of classical conditioning: graduated exposure, aversion therapy, flooding
 * media type="file" key="LEARNING - dp3 applications of, and comparisons of, learning theories - ii applications of classical conditioning.mp3"
 * three-phase model of operant conditioning as informed by B.F. Skinner: positive and negative reinforcement, response cost, punishment and schedules of reinforcement
 * file too big - will post when split.
 * applications of operant conditioning: shaping, token economies
 * comparisons of classical and operant conditioning in terms of the processes of acquisition, extinction, stimulus generalisation, stimulus discrimination, spontaneous recovery, role of learner, timing of stimulus and response, and nature of response (reflexive/voluntary)
 * media type="file" key="LEARNING - dp3 application and comparisons of learning theories - v comparison of classical and operant conditioning.mp3"
 * one-trial learning with reference to taste aversion as informed by John Garcia and Robert A.Koelling (1966)
 * media type="file" key="LEARNING - dp3 Applications and comparisons of learning theories - vi one-trial learning with Garcia.mp3"
 * trial-and-error learning as informed by Edward Lee Thorndike’s puzzle-box experiment
 * media type="file" key="LEARNING - dp3 application and comparisons of learning theories - vii Thorndike and cats in puzzle boxes.mp3"
 * observational learning (modelling) processes in terms of the role of attention, retention,
 * media type="file" key="LEARNING - dp3 application and comparisons of learning theories - viii Observational Learning.mp3"
 * insight learning as informed by Wolfgang Kőhler
 * media type="file" key="LEARNING - dp3 application and comparisons of learning theories - ix Insight Learning.mp3"
 * latent learning as informed by Edward Tolman
 * media type="file" key="LEARNING - dp3 application and comparisons of learning theories - x Latent Learning.mp3"
 * the extent to which ethical principles were applied to classic research investigations into learning
 * media type="file" key="LEARNING - dp4 ethical considerations and Little Albert.mp3"
 * research methods and ethical principles associated with the study of learning, as outlined in the