Trouble with Psych exam questions!

[khalil]

OK i have another question:
Define observational learning WITHOUT using the word observe or watch.
the reason i chose these two words is because the definition cannot contain the word that is being defined and 'watch' is not the same as observing.

[sisqo1111]

okay hows this for a definition:
Learning which occurs by viewing/studying others, and then imitating their actions, or noting the positive and negative and consequences of their actions.

[khalil]

eureka....studying was the word i was looking for ..thanks
Now in the grivas book it states that a learning set is the IMPROVEMENT in learning ability.........
But through negative transfer it can also hinder learning
so what is the correct definition to use?

[sisqo1111]

okay this is a bit tricky but easy once you get your head around it.
'The learning set is the improvement of learning ability that results from previous experience in another similar learning situation.'
now that is the stem of your definition.
and there are two transfers of learning. one is negative and the other is positive.
Positive Transfer when previous learning experience aids new learning
Negative Transfer when previous learning experience hinders new learning

so basically the learning set can both improve and hinder new learning. if that makes any sense

[khalil]

Yes i understand that BUT learning set includes both positive and negative transfer, however its defintion only applies to positive transfer

[sisqo1111]

okay heres another definition
Learning Set: The learner's expectancy of how to deal with a new situation, based on prior learned habits, rules and problem-solving strategies.

[rh]

the reason i chose these two words is because the definition cannot contain the word that is being defined and 'watch' is not the same as observing.

what about for something like proactive interference? i define it as 'when previously learned information interferes with our ability to remember new information.' is that acceptable or should i find another word for interfere?

[sisqo1111]

i think that should suffice. but heres another way of saying it if your not comfortable with interefere.
Proactive interference occurs when previously learned information hinders/impedes with one’s ability to remember newly learnt information.

[khalil]

Lucy has decided to help her daughter Susie, aged 5, to learn to tie her shoe lace.
Lucy decides to use the principle of observational learning when training Susie.
Describe how Lucy might use this procedure to train her daughter to tie her laces.

My answer: lucy may not tie her shoe laces ane intentionall fall over to show the consequences that occur. As a result, Susie will be more motivated to tie her shoe laces because she has observed the consequences of not tying them which will guide her future actions (tying her shoe laces)

Will this be an acceptable explanation?
the question is from VCAA 03 exam but there are no answers to it

[rh]

i think that should suffice. but heres another way of saying it if your not comfortable with interefere.
Proactive interference occurs when previously learned information hinders/impedes with one’s ability to remember newly learnt information.

sweet, thanks.

khalil: i think you should mention the 4 (5?) stages of observational learning and say how lucy would use each of them to get susie to tie her shoe laces.

maybe something like..
attention - lucy must get susie to pay attention while she demonstrates how to tie shoe laces.
retention - lucy could repeat the demonstration a number of times to ensure that susie has retained the procedure
etc, etc

what you said could come under motivation/reinforcement. how many marks is it worth?

[khalil]

Its only worth 1 mark, so i thought it needed to be something simple

[rh]

oh, oops. in that case i'd say your answer is fine.

and the assessment reports (which give an answer and explanation for most questions) are here: http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/psychology/exams.html if you don't already know. they're really helpful.

[khalil]

I have a BIG question
IF learning is the relatively permanent change in behaviour than why in both CC and OC does extinction occur?
Arn't they a form of learning as well?

[amyminchin]

Relatively.

key word in that statement

[khalil]

please elaborate....