LEARNING

A definition of learning
relatively permanent change in behavior that occurs as a result of experience

Any

Learning involves change

Change may be good or bad Permanent or temporary Change in behavior Experience

Theories of learning
Classical conditioning Operant conditioning Social learning theory

Classical conditioning

A type of conditioning in which an individual responds to some stimulus that would not ordinarily produce such a response

Operant conditioning

A type of conditioning in which desired voluntary behavior leads to a reward or prevent a punishment

Social learning theory

People can learn through observation and direct experience

Reinforcement
Anything that both increases the strength and tends to induce the repetition of the behavior that preceded the reinforcement A reward on the other hand, is simply something that the person who presents it deems to be desirable

Positive reinforcement
Positive reinforcement strengthens and increases behavior by the presentation of a desirable consequences Following a response with something pleasant is called positive reinforcement

Negative reinforcement
Negative reinforcement strengthens and increases behavior by the threat of the use of undesirable consequences or the termination or withdrawal of an undesirable consequences Following a response by the termination or withdrawal of something unpleasant is called negative reinforcement

Schedule of reinforcement
Continuous reinforcement: A desired behavior is reinforced each and every time it is demonstrated Intermittent reinforcement: A desired behavior is reinforced often enough to make the behavior worth repeating but not every time it is demonstrated

Intermittent reinforcement

Fixed interval schedule: Rewards are

spaced at uniform time interval

Variable interval schedule: Rewards

are distributed in time so that reinforcement are unpredictable Fixed ratio schedule: Rewards are initiated after a fixed or constant number of response Variable ratio schedule: The reward varies relative to the behavior of the individual

The role of organizational reward system

Analysis of money as reinforcer Non financial rewards Social recognition and attention Performance feedback

Punishment and extinction

Punishment is causing an unpleasant condition in an attempt to eliminate an undesirable behavior Eliminating any reinforcement that is maintaining a behavior is called extinction

The meaning of punishment

Punishment is anything that weakens behavior and tends to decrease its subsequent frequency. It usually consists of the application of an undesirable or noxious consequence, and also be defined as the withdrawal of a desirable consequence Administering punishment

Effective discipline skills

Respond immediately Provide a warning State the problem specifically Allow the employee to explain his or her position Keep discussion impersonal Take progressive action Obtain agreement on change