Lesson Notes

Lesson 6.3a  Insight and Latent Learning: Where Are the Reinforcers?

This lesson focuses on two main theorists: Wolfgang Kohler and Edward Tolman. Their contributions to learning theory helped spurn the importance of cognitive-social learning. Kohler’s work with chimps resulted in the concept known as insight, the ability to solve problems once an animal (or person) gains a sense of sudden understanding of how to find a solution. Kohler’s discoveries implied a type of internal mental process that was occurring without the presence of an immediate reinforcer. Tolman’s studies looked at latent learning. Learning where there are no direct reinforcements present; in other words, learning without knowing that you are learning.

Lesson 6.3b  Observational Learning: What We See Is What We Do

This lesson explores the concept of observation learning and modelling. A Canadian born researcher, Albert Bandura, is the foremost leader in this field. His Bobo doll experiments brought to everyone’s attention the role our behaviours may have on others. Observational learning gives credence to the argument that children who watch violent television are more likely to engage in aggressive behaviours themselves. Bandura concluded that the strength of learning rested on four processes: attention, retention, motor reproduction, and reinforcement.