PSYC 110 Week 3 Discussion: Learning & Memory
Student Name
Chamberlain University
PSYC-110: Psychology
Prof. Name
Date
Discussion: Learning & Memory
Option 1
Psychologists define learning as a relatively enduring change in behavior that occurs as a result of personal experiences (Brookfield, 1995). One of the most relatable examples of this is observational learning, where individuals acquire new behaviors by watching and imitating others. For instance, imagine a young child observing her older brother neatly arranging his books. When the parents praise him for his organization skills, the child interprets this response as a reward signal. Consequently, she begins arranging her toys in a similar way, demonstrating learned behavior through modeling.
While classical and operant conditioning are widely studied in the context of learned behaviors, they are not the only pathways to learning. These conditioning processes, however, play a substantial role in shaping our daily actions. Classical conditioning, for example, can be seen when certain environmental cues trigger emotional or physical responses—such as feeling drowsy when a white noise machine is turned on at night due to repeated association. Operant conditioning, on the other hand, reinforces behaviors through rewards or consequences, such as cooking more meals because family members express appreciation.
Reflection on Personal Experiences with Conditioning
In my personal life, classical conditioning can be observed when:
- The scent of fresh coffee in the morning immediately makes me feel more alert and ready to start my day, due to the repeated pairing of this aroma with the act of waking up.
- Hearing my phone’s message tone creates an immediate feeling of excitement because I associate it with receiving good news from friends.
- The sound of rain makes me feel cozy and relaxed because it has often been paired with moments of rest at home.
Similarly, operant conditioning is evident in my life through:
- Receiving positive feedback at work after completing a project, motivating me to take on more assignments proactively.
- Choosing to exercise regularly because of the noticeable improvement in my physical health and energy levels.
- Avoiding procrastination on assignments after previously experiencing the stress and penalties of late submissions.
PSYC 110 Week 3 Discussion: Learning & Memory
Understanding Habituation
Habituation refers to the gradual reduction in responsiveness to a stimulus after it has been repeatedly encountered (Brown & Knight, 1998). This process allows individuals to adapt to ongoing environmental stimuli, conserving mental energy for more important tasks.
PSYC 110 Week 3 Discussion: Learning & Memory
Below is a table outlining three examples from my own experiences with habituation:
| Situation | Initial Response | Long-Term Adaptation |
|---|---|---|
| Moving into a house near busy train tracks | Frequently waking up at night due to train noise | Eventually sleeping through the sound without noticing it |
| Starting a job near a busy street | Feeling distracted by constant traffic sounds | Learning to tune out the background noise while working |
| Living in an apartment with a noisy elevator | Startled by the elevator’s mechanical sounds | Becoming so accustomed to the noise that it blends into the background |
In each case, my sensitivity to the repeated stimulus lessened over time, allowing me to focus better on other priorities and avoid unnecessary stress. Habituation, therefore, serves as a natural coping mechanism to manage sensory overload in everyday life.
References
Brookfield, S. D. (1995). Becoming a critically reflective teacher. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
PSYC 110 Week 3 Discussion: Learning & Memory
Brown, S., & Knight, P. (1998). Assessing learners in higher education (1st ed.). London; Philadelphia: Routledge.