Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 101676

Coordinator Nicole Traynor Opens in new window

Description Human Learning is concerned with the experimental analysis of human and animal behaviour and focuses upon associative learning, including classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and social learning approaches. Definitions, assumptions, and basic phenomena associated with the study of learning are described and evaluated in terms of their ability to account for various aspects of human behaviour and experience. The practical work highlights important concepts introduced in the lecture program and focuses upon practical techniques of use in everyday situations.

School Psychology

Discipline Behavioural Science

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your fees via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 2 subject

Restrictions

Note that only students enrolled at WSU Online may register in the WSU Online subjects offered at that location.

Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of this subject, students will be able to: 

1. Identify the basic principles of associative learning and social learning theory (APAC Graduate Attribute 1.1i, 1.1v, 1.3)

2. Use basic principles of associative learning and social learning theory to modify behaviour to bring it into line with stated goals (APAC GA 1.1v, 1.2, 1.5)

3. Describe the therapeutic techniques derived from learning theory (APAC GA 1.1iv, 1.1v)

4. Record a target behaviour, explain and defend the method used, and evaluate whether it appropriately quantifies the identified target behaviour (APAC GA 1.2, 1.3, 1.6)

5. Apply basic principles of associative learning and social learning theory to new situations and identify how these principles might work (APAC GA 1.1v, 1.3, 1.5)

6. Summarise the ideas of associative learning and social learning theories and explain how they can be differentiated from other similar concepts (APAC GA 1.1v, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6)

Subject Content

Lectures 

1. Pavlovian to Instrumental transfer 
2. Paradigms in the investigation of learning 
3. Habituation and sensitization 
4. Pavlovian conditioning 1: The basics 
5. Pavlovian conditioning 2: Connectionism and learning 
6. Pavlovian conditioning 3: Applications 
7. Operant conditioning 1: The basics 
8. Operant conditioning 2: Reinforcement and punishment 
9. Operant conditioning 3: Behavioural economics and choice 
10. Learning and abnormal behaviour 
11. Behaviour modification, behaviour therapy, and cognitive behaviour therapy 
12. Learning and addiction 
13. Learning and effective study methods