From the behavioral perspective, learning is defined as a relatively permanent change in behavior that results from experience. This means that learning is not simply a change in knowledge or understanding, but rather a change in how we act. The focus is on observable behaviors and how they are shaped by environmental stimuli and consequences.
This perspective, often referred to as behaviorism, emphasizes the role of reinforcement and punishment in shaping behavior.
- Reinforcement is any consequence that increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.
- Punishment is any consequence that decreases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.
Examples of behavioral learning include:
- Classical Conditioning: A neutral stimulus becomes associated with a response due to its pairing with another stimulus that naturally evokes that response. (e.g., Pavlov's dog experiment where the bell sound was associated with food, leading to salivation at the sound of the bell).
- Operant Conditioning: Learning occurs through the association of a voluntary behavior with its consequences. (e.g., a child learns to raise their hand in class because they are praised for doing so).
The behavioral perspective has significant implications for education, therapy, and other areas where understanding and changing behavior are crucial.
