Understanding Cognitive Perceptual Learning and Its Models

Cognitive Perceptual Learning: This concept gives us insight into how behavior is influenced by various stimuli. It is not as simple as it seems; the answers and the schemes explained previously reveal much about our behavior, but not all of it. (If we are rewarded, these actions are repeated, while if we are punished, these actions are reduced, as Edward Tolman suggests.) He states that there is more to stimulus and response because each person reacts to a pattern of stimuli. We have very predictable behavior in response to certain stimuli, but we can also respond unpredictably. Between stimuli and responses, there are some variables called O, which we process through organismic variables. This variable depends on the knowledge and motivation that we demonstrate in our responses, which are not always the same. We never know how a person processes a stimulus to respond. There are intervening variables that are not observed but determine people's behavior, making it unpredictable. Peer pressure also influences people's responses. The interpretation of individuals cannot be seen, which is why psychology is not an explanatory science.

Four Models of Learning

Discrimination Learning

Psychologists suggest that we can learn to play through the relationships between stimuli (higher or lower, pretty or ugly) and discriminate between them to determine which is better and which is worse for us. We discriminate between two or more objects. The ability to discriminate can be observed in both animals and humans, as we select what interests us most and prioritize what we consider most important over the less important. These strategies differ for each person.

Latent Learning

This type of learning can occur in both humans and higher animals. We receive a number of stimuli that we understand, retain, and relate to space and time. Animals exhibit latent learning because they can find food in places where they previously discovered it.

Learning Insight

W. Köhler conducted experiments in the Canary Islands in 1914 with a famous monkey named Sultan, who was stuck in a room with bananas hanging from the ceiling and two sticks on the ground. He attempted to leap to grab the bananas but could not reach them. After some time, he realized that by joining the two sticks, he could reach the bananas. This moment of realization is referred to as a 'lucid moment' or 'insight,' which is called 'einsicht' in German. This phenomenon also occurs in humans.

Learning by Imitation

It is not necessary to practice to learn; by observing others, we can learn to do something. Imitating others allows us to acquire new behaviors. This occurs in both animals and in social interactions among people. Here, it is essential to learn to be with someone who will imitate you.