2. Definition
Learning can be defined as a relatively permanent
change in behavior or performance resulting from
experience or practice
Learning itself is not observable but only a change in
behavior is observable
Learning cannot take place unless the learner
actually experiences what has to be learned
3. Features/Characteristics/Components
Brings about change: learning involves a change not necessarily
improvement in behavior. Ex: bad habits such as reporting late for work.
Result in relatively permanent change: the change brought about should be
long lasting. Therefore, short lived performance changes should not be
confused with learning.
Arise out of experience or practice: any change in individual’s thought
processes should be accompanied by changes in behavior
Learning through reinforcement: reinforcement is the process by which an
external reinforcer produces & maintains a behavior. Continuous
reinforcement leads to learning
Differences in the learning process: there are individual differences in the
learning process. Ex: two employees being transferred to different locations
will acquire different skills resulting in differences in learning
4. Determinants of Learning
Motive: they are primary energizers of behavior, they represent the mental feelings
of individuals
Stimuli: are objects that exist in the environment in which a person lives. It
increases the probability of eliciting a specific response from a person
Generalization: this makes it possible for a manager to predict human behavior,
similar responses in similar environment
Discrimination: different responses in different situations
Responses: responses need to be operationally defined & preferably observable as it
shows behavior patterns
Reinforcement: anything that increases the strength of response & tends to induce
repetitions of behavior
Retention: means remembrance of learned behavior over a span of time
5. Theories of Learning
Classical Conditioning Theory
Operant Conditioning Theory
Cognitive Learning Theory
Social Learning Theory
6. Classical Conditioning Theory
One of the simplest forms of learning
Has a powerful effect on our attitudes, likes &
dislikes
We have all learned to respond in specific ways to a
variety of words & symbols
Has been given by Ivan Pavlov by his famous “dog
experiment”
Classical conditioning refers to modifying behavior
by continuous reinforcement
8. Operant Conditioning
States that behavior is a function of its consequence
People learn to behave to get something they want or
avoid something they don’t want
Operant behavior means learned behavior
Reinforcement strengthens desirable behavior
The behavior that results in positive rewards tends to
be repeated & vice versa
Based on such consequences, the behavior can be
predicted & controlled
9. Difference between Classical Conditioning and Operant
Conditioning:
CLASSICAL CONDITIONING OPERANT CONDITIONING
1. A change in stimulus elicits a particular response 1. Stimulus serves as a cue for a person to
emit the response
2. The strength and frequency of classically
conditioned behaviours are determined mainly by
the frequency of eliciting stimulus.
2. The strength and frequency of operantly
conditioned behaviours are determined
mainly by the consequences.
3. The stimulus serving as reward is present every
time.
3. The reward is presented only if the organism
gives the correct response.
4. Responses are fixed to stimulus 4. Responses are variable both in type and
degree.
Learning and Performance Management
10. Classical and Operant Conditioning Compared
CHARACTERISTICS CLASSICAL CONDITIONING OPERANT CONDITIONING
Type of association Between two stimuli Between a response and its consequence
State of the subject Passive Active
Focus of Attention On what precedes response On what follows response
Type of response
typically involved
Involuntary or reflexive
response
Voluntary response
Bodily response
typically involved
Internal Responses: Emotional
and glandular reactions
External Responses: Muscular and skeletal
movement and verbal responses.
Range of Responses Relatively simple Simple to highly complex
Responses learned Emotional Reactions: fear,
likes, dislikes
Goal-oriented responses
Learning and Performance Management
11. Cognitive Learning Theory
Cognition refers to an individual’s ideas, thoughts,
knowledge, about himself & his environment
Given by Tolman in his rat experiment
Learning is considered to be an outcome of
deliberate thinking about a problem or situation
based on facts
12. Social Learning Theory
People can also learn through observation & direct
experience
Social learning takes place when people observe the
behavior of others & modify their behavior
accordingly
Thus social learning is acquisition of knowledge
through processing of information
It is generally done through the process of modeling
(following the footsteps of a role model)
