Learning and Cognition

Learning and Cognition

Patsy Fox

Psy 390

June 24, 2012

Holly Berry

Learning and Cognition

Learning is one of the most important topics in psychology; however, it remains one of the most difficult concepts for us to define. There are several ways in which this term is defined. According to the American Heritage Dictionary, learning is defined as “to gain knowledge, comprehension, or mastery through experience or study” (Matthew H. Olsen, 2009, p. 1). This definition, however, does not tell the whole story. Part of the problem with this definition is that the terms “knowledge”, “comprehension” and “mastery” can be very vague. Also, if we in fact do not implement the information that we acquire in a timely manner, some or all of this information may be lost. Another definition that is provided by Gregory A. Kimble, defines learning “as a relatively permanent change in behavioral potentiality that occurs as a result of reinforced practice” (Matthew H. Olsen, 2009, p. 1). This definition comes much closer to the truth of the matter, and it is very popular among psychologists because it refers to changes in observable behavior. Learning, however, is only relatively permanent in that it lasts only until such a time that forgetting takes place, or until new learning displaces old learning. Another factor to consider is how much a particular behavior is reinforced through practice. The more we use something that we have learned, the more likely we are to retain that knowledge and behavior over longer periods of time. So although all learning is not permanent, practicing what we have learned keeps us from forgetting the information as soon and reinforces the behaviors that we have acquired until such a time that new and better information replaces the old. Learning can also be described as the process that leads an individual to permanently or potentially change his or her behavior. This is because what we learn often alters the way that we view and react to...