Associative learning – definition
Associative learning is the neural link between a neutral and a second stimulus. It forms the basis of our memory and also helps to learn new things better.
Associative learning in psychology
In associative learning, psychology distinguishes between the classical and operant conditioning distinguished. In classic conditioning, the Pavlovian dog is probably the best known example.
Classic conditioning and the Pavlovian dog
Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov discovered signal learning by accident in dogs. He rang a bell before feeding, then they got their food. As a result, the dogs began to produce saliva after ringing the bell, even though they had no food at all – they linked the ringing of the bell with the food.
An originally neutral stimulus (bell), so no reaction was initially triggered here, became a conditioned stimulusthat triggers a learned reaction.
While the combination is fixed in the classic conditioning, certain actions are learned in the operant through positive or negative reinforcements.
Operative conditioning and the skinner boxes
The American psychologist Burrhus Skinner has shown this in experiments with rats. A lever was installed in a prepared box (called a Skinner box) that released a pill when pressed down, so there was a reward, ergo: the rat repeated its behavior. If a rat received an electric shock instead of food, they did not do so after a short time.
The animals had learned to repeat their behavior with positive consequences or to avoid with negative consequences.
Examples:
- You prepare yourself meticulously for a presentation and are then praised for it by your boss – next time you will prepare yourself so well again.
- You smile at strangers on the street and they smile back, because of the positive consequences you will continue to smile at people.
In the same way, negative reinforcement can occur there is no bad consequence, that is, we avoid these consequences through a certain behavior. Example: You are afraid of heights, so you avoid places with height, e.g. B. towers or ladders. Since there are no negative consequences, you will continue to avoid the locations.
Such extinctions can also be deleted (extinction), namely if this is omitted for a certain behavior – which can also be understood as a punishment if, for example, the boss's praise suddenly fails to appear.
What can we learn from it? 4 examples for everyday life
What sounds so dry, we can use for ourselves and our everyday life! And in a very simple way: tackle unloved habits by rewarding ourselves – so use a positive amplifier.
- Do you want to do more sports? Set yourself fixed dates, the best thing is to find a training partner for more motivation and every time after successful training you reward yourself with a healthy snack, a new magazine or whatever you enjoy.
- So many times have you set out to start studying for exams earlier or prepare for your presentation – and each time it was close. In this case, you can divide your material into sub-goals, e.g. B. Learn 90 minutes every day and reward you afterwards.
- If you want to eat healthier, bans often don't do anything – except maybe more cravings! So combine healthy eating with something positive instead of getting annoyed by the candy bar.
- The apartment gets lost in the chaos of cleaning up time again? Sure, that's not one of most people's favorite things to do. Here, too, you can use the positive amplifier for yourself and reward yourself after work. The perfect cleaning plan will help you organize yourself even better.
You don't need a New Year's resolution to declare war on old habits or to get used to new, positive ones, you can start at any time! Remember, all the rewards are of no use if you don't really want the change … Here's more on how to change your habits.
The conditioning also plays with fears, e.g. B. stage fright, a role. We explain how to overcome fears here.
Tip: In the BRIGITTE Community you can exchange ideas about topics related to personality development.