PSYC FPX 3500 Assessment 1 Theories of Human Learning and Cognition

Learning theories provide important insights into how humans utilize cognition to process, retain, and apply knowledge. Adolescence, in particular, is an important time for cognitive development because the brain changes significantly. This raises important questions like How does a teen’s brain function compare to that of an adult? How does this cognitive growth affect their behavior? Understanding these dynamics can provide important insights into the challenges and opportunities that occur during this period of life.

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Cognitive Learning Theory

The human mind is a sophisticated network that allows people to achieve their goals by processing information across many cognitive systems (Millroth, 2021). Cognitive learning theory provides a framework for understanding these processes, with a focus on the mental steps involved in learning. According to the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, (2019), this theory is separated into two major components: cognitive behavioral theory and social learning theory. 

Cognitive behavioral theory examines how cognition impacts behavior, arguing that an individual’s cognitive patterns can predict their behavioral consequences. This is particularly important throughout adolescence, when reasoning skills, problem-solving ability, and logical thinking are being developed (Halder & Mahato, 2019). Adolescents proceed from an immature way of thinking to one that matches adult cognitive processes.

In contrast, social learning theory stresses the importance of observation and social interaction in the learning process. Adolescents learn not just from their own experiences, but also by seeing and mimicking others’ conduct, which molds their cognitive development and determines their behavioral patterns (Hofmans & van den Bos, 2022). This mix of internal cognition and societal influences plays an important role in an adolescent’s transition to adult-like mental processes.

Teenagers sometimes demonstrate oppositional behavior toward parents or authority adults, which can be attributed to fast changes in their growing brains (AACAP, 2019). These changes lead to impulsivity, irritation, poor judgment, and a reduced capacity to think about the repercussions of risky or improper behavior. The cognitive approach proposes that in order for new knowledge to be correctly preserved, humans must have an effective cognitive process. If this process is hampered or rendered inefficient, as it frequently is throughout adolescence owing to these brain changes, learning and decision-making challenges could occur (Bakhshani, 2019).

This cognitive inefficiency (PSYC FPX 3500 Assessment 1 Theories of Human Learning and Cognition) can lead to difficulties with behavior management, such as disrespect or poor judgment, which are frequent characteristics of adolescents.

Social Cognitive Theory

Social Cognitive Theory also known as Social Learning Theory, believes that learning happens through the combination of behavioral, contextual, and personal aspects (Islam et al., 2023). The idea emphasizes the impact of role models, such as parents, teachers, friends, and even television personalities, on the behavior of adolescents and children. Young people learn and follow actions from role models, therefore social surroundings play an important part in determining their development. The mediational process, which is divided into four stages: attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation, is an important component of this theory.

Attention involves observing the activity; retention is how well the behavior is recalled; replication is how correctly the behavior is adopted; and motivation decides whether the individual chooses to repeat the behavior in response to prospective rewards or penalties (Atif et al., 2022). These stages work together to describe how social factors and internal processes shape children’s and adolescent’s behavior and decision-making.

Behaviorist Approach

The behaviorist approach highlights that people can change their actions and responses in response to specific experiences (Wise & Sevcik, 2019). This approach includes ideas like operant conditioning and classical conditioning, both of which examine how reward might alter behavior. Operant conditioning describes how learning happens through repeated activities, utilizing positive and negative reinforcement to promote or discourage certain actions (Chen, 2023).

Individuals can acquire new abilities or change their activities to obtain desired results by encouraging certain habits. On the other hand, Classical conditioning is concerned with emotio