Learning is the eighth program in the DISCOVERING PSYCHOLOGY series. This program discusses the basic principles of how we learn; classical, instrumental, and operant conditioning; and the role that stimuli and consequences play in learned behavior and habits. You'll explore how renowned researchers Ivan Pavlov, B. F. Skinner, Edward Thorndike, and John B. Watson contributed to what we know about human and animal learning.

Many of our likes, dislikes, and emotional responses have been acquired by Classical Conditioning. In Classical Conditioning, the focus is on the response antecedents (what precedes). Phobias are considered irrational fears and can be the result of Classical Conditioning. Think of a fear you, or someone you know well, exhibits and answer the following:

1. Describe this fear and the first memories you have of how the fear formed.

2. What were the fear's antecedents?

3. How prevalent is this fear in your life?

4. What have you done to deal with this fear?

5. How successful have you been?

Operant Conditioning involves learning that is affected by consequences. After each response occurs, the consequences may involve reward, punishment, or nothing at all. Think of situations where Operant Conditioning has affected your learning and answer the following:

1. Describe situations and rewards that seem to encourage the continuation of your behavior.

2. Describe punishing situations that seem to discourage the continuation of your behavior.

3. Have there been instances where punishment has been used as a reinforcer?

4. Did it work? Why or why not?