Download Homework 1

Learning: Early Beginnings to Modern Times (Homework 1)
Q1. Compare and contrast Plato’s and Aristotle theory of knowledge. Include terms like
nativism, empiricism, and rationalism.
Q2. Describe and elaborate on three philosophers after Descartes who followed
Aristotle’s tradition of empiricism and two that followed Plato’s tradition of nativism.
What is learning? (Homework 2)
Q3. Give the Kimble’s definition of learning. Elucidate strengths and problems with this
definition.
Q4. Explain why is it important to study learning?
Q5. Why is learning important to survival?
How to study learning? (Homework 3)
Q6. List and briefly describe decisions that are involved in the setting up, running and
analyzing a learning experiment.
Q7. Describe the characteristics of a theory. Differentiate between a theory and a model.
Ivan Petrovich Pavlov (Homework 4)
Q8. How does Pavlov explain the physiological basis of conditioning?
Q9. Why does Rescorla say that classical conditioning occurs due to contingency
between CS-US and not contiguity between the two stimuli! Describe Rescorla (1966)
study to elucidate this point.
Q10. Explain in detail three criticisms of classical conditioning.
Edwin Ray Guthrie (Homework 5)
Q11. Summarize Guthrie's views on punishment.
Q12. Why do law of contiguity and one trial learning necessitates recency principle.
Q13. Describe Voeks’ postulates in formalizing Guthrie’s theory.
Edward Lee Thorndike (Homework 6)
Q14. Explain in your own word the concept of belongingness. How Thorndike argues
against Gestalt’s ideas of using this concept, by using the principle of polarity.
Q15. What Thorndike means when he says that identical elements in a familiar and an
unfamiliar situation result in the transfer of training.
Burrhus Frederic Skinner (Homework 7)
Q16. Would you use the same reinforcers to manipulate the behavior of both children
and adults? If not what would make the difference?.
Q17. What is partial reinforcement effect? Briefly describe the basic reinforcement
schedules that Skinner studied
Q18. Explain the difference between Premack’s and Timberlake’s views of reinforcers.
Clark Hull (Homework 8)
Q19. Based on the data (see below) make a learning curve using postulate IV (use this
formula for habit strength: SHR = 1- 1/100.0305N). Explain how magnitude of reinforcement
increases learning?
Q20. Describe two-factor theory that Mowrer developed to explain avoidance
conditioning. In your answer be sure to explain sign and solution learning.
Q21. Explain how extinction of a response takes place in Hull, Spence and Amsel
theories? Make sure you explain the differences.
Reinforced Trial (N)
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
Habit Strength
Reinforced Trial (N)
22
24
26
28
30
50
100
Habit Strength
Edward Tolman (Homework 10)
Q22. Explain latent learning. Describe one or two experiments that support evidence for
it.
Q23. Differentiate between response and place learning. Relate theoretical (behavioral,
cognitive) underpinnings to explain these differences.
Gestalt School on learning (Homework 9)
Q24. Explain transposition, both from the point of view of Gestalt psychologists and
behaviorists (Spence, pp 259-263). Which explanation do you think is better?
Q25. What is law of Prägnanz? What is meant by it being the overriding principle in
Gestalt theory?
Jean Piaget (Homework 11)
Q26. Into what camp does Piaget’s theory fall?
Q27. What is meant by equilibration? How does the process work with reference to
assimilation and accommodation?
Albert Bandura (Homework 12)
Q27. Reciprocal determinism, what is it?
Q28. Compare Tolman’s and Bandura’s cognitive theories of learning.
Donald O. Hebb (Homework 13)
Q29. Discuss Lashley’s concepts of mass action and equipotentiality?
Q30. Discuss switchboard conception of the brain. What was Hebb’s opposition to
such a conception and what did he offer as an alternative?
Current Trends in Learning (Homework 14)
Q31. In your opinion which are the two most important unanswered questions
regarding learning.