Syllabus

College of Social Sciences PSY/390 Version 2 Learning and Cognition

Copyright 2010, 2009, 2004 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved.

Course Description This course concerns the study of learning from the most basic associationistic ideas to complex cognitive behaviors such as problem solving and thinking. Various ideas regarding the nature of the mind are presented along with the fundamental concepts of learning and conditioning. Strengths and weaknesses of the memory system are discussed as they relate to higher cognitive processes such as language, problem solving, and eyewitness identification. Neurophysiological correlates of cognitive phenomena and memory disorders are also discussed. Policies Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the following two documents: University policies: You must be logged into the student website to view this document. Instructor policies: This document is posted in the Course Materials forum.

University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the policies at the beginning of each class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities, read the policies governing your current class modality. Course Materials Olson, M. H. & Hergenhahn, B. R. (2009). An introduction to theories of learning (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall. All electronic materials are available on the student website.

Week One: Introduction to Learning and Cognition

Details
Objectives 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Define learning and its behavioral component. Describe different types of learning. Analyze the relationship between learning and cognition. Apply learning and cognitive theories to real world situations.

Due

Points

Readings

Read Ch. 1-3 of An Introduction to Theories of Learning. Read this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings. Participate in class discussion. 2

Participation

Discussion Questions Learning Team Instructions

Respond to weekly discussion questions. Resource: Learning Team Toolkit Complete the Learning Team Charter. Begin preparation for the Functionalistic and Associationistic Theories Presentation due in Week Three. Prepare a 700- to 1,050-word paper in which you examine the concept of learning and how it is related to cognition. In your examination, address the following questions: What is the definition of learning? What role does behavior play in learning? What are two different types of learning? Describe each one in your response. What is the relationship between learning and cognition? Provide a specific example. Format according to APA standards.

12-24-12

12-2412

Individual Learning and Cognition Paper

12-24-12

10

Week Two: Functionalistic Theories

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Objectives 2.1 Describe the major theoretical concepts of functionalistic theories. 2.2 Analyze the modern-day relevancy of functionalistic theories. 2.3 Examine operant conditioning theory. Read Ch. 46 of the text. Read this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings. Participate in class discussion. Respond to weekly discussion questions. Write a 700- to 1,050-word paper in which you examine the theory of operant conditioning. In your examination, address the following items: Describe the theory of operant conditioning. Compare and contrast positive and negative reinforcement. Determine which form of reinforcement is the most effective. Explain your reasoning. Select a scenario in which you would apply operant conditioning to shape behavior. Create a reinforcement schedule for your selected behavior 1-14-12 1-14-12 2 2 15

Due

Points

Readings

Participation Discussion Questions Individual Operant Conditioning Paper

Format according to APA standards.

Week Three: Associationistic Theories

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Objectives 3.1 Describe the major theoretical concepts of associationistic theories. 3.2 Analyze the modern-day relevancy of associationistic theories. 3.3 Examine classical conditioning theory. Read Ch. 79 of the text. Read this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings. Participate in class discussion. Respond to weekly discussion questions. Select one theorist from each of the following paradigms in preparation for this assignment: Functionalistic o Edward Lee Thorndike o B. F. Skinner o Clark Leonard Hull Associationistic o Ivan Pavlov o Edwin R. Guthrie o William K. Estes 1-21-12 1-21-12 2 2 15

Due

Points

Readings

Participation Discussion Questions Learning Team Functionalistic and Associationistic Theories Presentation

Obtain faculty approval for your selected theorist prior to beginning this assignment. Prepare a 10- to 15-minute oral presentation, accompanied by 10to 12-Microsoft PowerPoint slides, in which you analyze the functionalistic and associationistic theories associated with your selected theorists. Online Campus students must submit a 10- to 12-slide Microsoft PowerPoint presentation with speaker notes. In your presentation, address the following items: Discuss the contributions that your selected theorists made to the field of learning and cognition. Describe the models associated with your selected theorists. Describe the major theoretical concepts associated with the models.

 Analyze the modern-day relevancy of the models, such as in media advertisements or education Format according to APA standards.

Week Four: Cognitive Theories

Details
Objectives 4.1 Describe the major theoretical concepts of cognitive theories. 4.2 Analyze the modern-day relevancy of cognitive theories. Read Ch. 1013 of the text. Read this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings. Participate in class discussion. Respond to weekly discussion questions. Write a 700- to 1,050-word paper in which you examine the theory of classical conditioning. In your examination, address the following: Describe the theory of classical conditioning. Select a scenario in which you would apply classical conditioning theory, such as training your dog to sit or training your partner to clean the house. Describe your selected scenario and prepare a chart in which you illustrate how you would apply classical conditioning theory to the scenario Format according to APA standards. 1-28-12 1-28-12 2 2 15

Due

Points

Readings

Participation Discussion Questions Individual Classical Conditioning Paper

Week Five: Neurophysiological and Evolutionary Theories

Details
Objectives 5.1 Describe the major theoretical concepts of neurophysiological and evolutionary theories. 5.2 Analyze the modern-day relevancy of neurophysiological and evolutionary theories. Read Ch. 14 & 15 of the text. Read this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings. Participate in class discussion. 2

Due

Points

Readings

Participation

Discussion Questions Individual Piaget Chart

Respond to weekly discussion questions. Create a chart in which you describe the stages of Piagets theory of cognitive development. For each stage, identify a task that a child could perform. Select one theorist from each of the following paradigms in preparation for this assignment: Cognitive o Max Wertheimer (Gestalt theory) o Jean Piaget o Edward C. Tolman o Albert Bandura Neurophysiological and Evolutionary o Donald O. Hebb o Robert C. Bolles

2-4-12 2-4-12

2 10

Learning Team Cognitive, Neurophysiological, and Evolutionary Theories Presentation

2-4-12

15

Obtain faculty approval for your selected theorist prior to beginning this assignment. Prepare a 10- to 15-minute oral presentation, accompanied by 10to 12-Microsoft PowerPoint slides, in which you analyze the cognitive, neurophysiological, and evolutionary theories associated with your selected theorists. Online Campus students must submit a 10- to 12-slide Microsoft PowerPoint presentation with speaker notes. In your presentation, address the following items: Discuss the contributions that your selected theorist made to the field of learning and cognition. Describe the models associated with your selected theorist. Provide a framework for the theoretical concepts associated with the models. Analyze the modern-day relevancy of the models, such as in media advertisements or education. Format according to APA standards.