Correct Answer - Option 2 : cognitive learning does not require reinforcement.
Learning is a relatively permanent change in behavior (or behavior potential) resulting from experience. There are many learning theories in psychology that are related to different schools of psychology such as cognitive, humanistic, behavioristic, etc. These theories are propounded by eminent psychologists to provide a framework to understand different aspects of human behavior.
Operant Conditioning Learing Theory:
- It can be defined as a principle of learning in which behavior is maintained or changed through its positive or negative consequences.
- According to the principles of operant conditioning, positive consequences lead to the repetition of the behavior, whereas, negative consequences will lead to avoidance of behavior.
- Factors that increase the probability of repetition of behavior have been termed as reinforcement. Whereas, factors that weaken or suppress the targeted behavior have been termed as punishment.
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Skinner gave the theory of operant conditioning. This theory advocates that a learner’s response is instrumental in producing a reinforcing stimulus.
- This means that the response which produces the reinforcement becomes stronger and the response which does not produce reinforcement becomes weaker.
Cognitive Theory of Learning:
- The cognitive theory was given by Tolman. It focuses on the fact that learning takes place by thinking about the problem, from the insight of the individual, and from integrating different cues or pieces of information.
- Acquisition of information plays important role in the learning process. The cognitive theory advocates that the association between cognitive environmental cues and expectations leads to learning.
- According to cognitive theory, learning takes place as a result of stimulus–stimulus association. Here, two stimuli are repeatedly paired.
- The presentation of one stimulus arouses an image, idea, or some process representing the second stimulus, even when it is not presented. When more than two stimuli are presented, whole stimuli may become associated.
Thus, it is concluded that The main difference between cognitive learning and operant conditioning is that cognitive learning does not require reinforcement.
