Download Research Based Learning Principles

Practical Applications of
Research-Based Learning
Principles
Dr. Ginger M. LeBlanc
Bakersfield College
Psychology
Basic Research
 Application

– Use information, techniques and skills derived
from psychological science

Areas:
– Case Workers
– Counselors
– Teachers
– Animal Trainers
Psychology of Learning

Behaviorism
– Watson, Thorndike,
Skinner

Emphasis
– Environment
– Behavior
– Scientific Method
Principles of Learning

Learning is relatively permanent
change in behavior due to
experiences.

Derived from empirical research
using nonhuman animals.

Operant Conditioning
– Consequences have future effect on
behavior
Reinforcement
Increase probability of
behavior
 Reinforcer qualities
 Factors influencing
effectiveness:

– Immediacy
– Consistency
– Contingency
Autism Therapy
Session
Extinction


Decrease probability of
behavior
Removal of reward
Factors influencing
effectiveness
– Immediacy, consistency,
contingency

Side effects
– Extinction burst
– Low to zero levels of
responding
160
Number of responses

140
Before
EXT
During EXT
burst
120
decrement in
responding
100
80
60
40
20
0
Time
Shaping

Differential reinforcement
of successive
approximations
– Reward behaviors that
more closely resemble
desired behavior
– Task Analysis
 Break behavior in small
steps
Animal Application
Animal Behavior
Research
 Husbandry Training

Conclusion
Valuable application of learning principles
Selecting Stimulus as Reinforcer