PURPOSE:
Explore examples of learning in the environment around us.
METHOD:
For this written assignment, do all three parts A, B and C below, covering all three models of learning.
A. Classical Conditioning AND
Select three commercials currently on TV/radio or three ads in a print medium.
Describe the commercial or advertisement very concisely.
Identify the UCS, CS and UCR/CR from Pavlov’s model. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU SPECIFICALLY USE THE MODEL TO SHOW ME YOU ARE FITTING THE AD TO THE MODEL. Do not simply describe it; diagram it, please!
HINT: the product being advertised always starts as a NS and becomes a CS through the pairing with some stimulus (UCS) that already evokes a positive reaction in the viewer (UCR).
HINT: Watson paired products with prestigeous individuals. Most advertising today is based on using attractive models to stimulate interest, or a party atmosphere that perks the viewer up and gets the viewer interested.
Is the pairing presented occasionally, frequently or incessantly? For how long?
How effective do you think the conditioning is for each commercial or print ad you selected?
B. Operant Conditioning AND
Select one example of learning that fits Skinner’s model. Taking it from real life is preferable.
Diagram it according to the A-B-C’s.BE SURE TO USE THE DIAGRAM CLEARLY, do not just describe the sequence, identify which is the antecedent, behavior and consequence, indentifying what sort of consequence it is.
Could you realistically improve the subject’s learning by adjusting any part of the model?
Identify the schedule of reinforcement for learning. Is it optimal for this kind of learning?
Is this learning programmed by someone or accidental?
C. Observational Learning. Remember to do all three parts of the exercise!
Select one example of a behavior learned by observation.
Describe the process using the terms in the text.
Can you improve it with your new knowledge of Bandura’s learning principles?
POST your answers to the three models.
EVALUATION
Does the example fit the model?
Did you diagram or explain it clearly? THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP OF ALL!
Did you figure a way to improve or increase the learning?
If you do outside research, be sure to cite in order to receive credit for your work.
