Investigation of Factors that May Influence the Way People Learn

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Investigation of Factors that May Influence the Way People Learn

In this task I am going to explore the factors that can influence the

way people learn. Learning is a difficult word to give a definition to

as it can be used in many different contexts. However, most people

take the word ‘learning’ to mean acquiring new knowledge or skills.

Some types of learning can result in a permanent change in behaviour

or cause us to act in a certain way. In this task I am going to

explore some theories on why this happens.

There are many different theories on how we learn and what affects our

learning. Four of these famous theories are the reinforcement theory,

a humanist approach, experimental learning and a Cognitive- Gestalt

approach. In this task I am going to explore three of these theories

in some detail, these theories are the reinforcement theory, the

humanist approach and experimental learning.

The reinforcement theory, also known as behaviourism, is largely based

on the work of Skinner and Ivan Pavlov, who were two scientists well

known for their studies and work in animal behaviour. Behaviourists

believe that environment is essential in shaping behaviour. The

reinforcement theory is all based upon a person’s reaction to an event

(stimuli). Skinner believes that we need reinforcement to keep us

interested and complex learning requires a series of small,

progressive steps. This theory is possibly the most common and is

practiced often as the behaviour of the learner can be monitored and

easily assessed. I have learnt in this environment before when I

attended school as my good behaviour was always praised.

Another famous learning theory is a humanist approach, which was

developed by a group of Americans in the 1950’s. A famous psychologist

who supported this theory was Abraham Maslow. Maslow built a triangle

based on our different needs; Maslow believed that in order to have a

healthy, happy life you need to fulfil every section of the triangle

in order to move up to the next level.

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