Questions and Answers: Associationistic Theory of Learning

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Associationistic

1. Define and describe what is meant by an Associationistic Theory of Learning. (1/2 point)

To understand the meaning of Associationistic Theory of learning is relevant to understanding what associationistic means. Associationistic is a "school of psychology that holds that the content of consciousness can be explain by the association and reassociation of irreducible sensory and perceptual elements" ("Associationistic," 2014). Therefore, the point to all associationist theories is that there are associations made that leads to learning. Three very important psychologists whose theories fall under the Associationistic Theory of Learning are Ivan Pavlov, Edwin R. Guthrie, and William K. Estes. The three mention psychologists use their theories to explain learning, memory, and behavior through the association of simple senses humans experience when presented with a stimulus, or other kinds of primary mental factors.

2. Describe the Learning Theories/Scientific Contributions of the following theorists:

a. Ivan Pavlov (1 point)

Born in Russia, Ivan Pavlov discovered conditioning reflex when he research how dogs salivate in the sight of foods. He made his discovery when after noticing the lining of the stomach released digestive juices when it response to direct stimulation from food particles. Pavlov arrived at this conclusion because his primary idea was to surgically implant an esophageal fistula in dog's throat and a gastric fistula in their stomach (Olson & Hergenhahn, Chapter 7, 2013).

• Classical Conditioning: Classical conditioning known as Pavlovian is a concept developed by a famous psychologist named Ivan P. Pavlov. In his experiment Pavlov noticed that his dogs salivated every time his dogs saw...

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...rough behavior modification or reinforcements (Olson & Hergenhahn, 2013). From the research of the other team members, it appears that neither approach is right or wrong. Each has its benefits depending on what is being taught. Each should be used together in understanding how learning is not always linear but can be multidirectional from many sources

Works Cited

Lawson, R. B., Graham, J. E., Hall, J., & Baker, K. (2007). A History of Psychology: Behaviorism. Retrieved from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection database.
Lutherans, F. (2014) Behavioral Performance Management. Retrieved from: http://answers.mheducation.com/business/management/organizational-behavior/behavioral-performance-management Olson, M. H., & Hergenhahn, B.R. (2013). An Introduction to Theories of Learning (9th ed.). Retrieved from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection database.

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