Learning and Performance

Introduction The concept of learning was extensively discussed by Bruner, a prominent scholar in the psychological field. However, several intellectuals considerably contributed to the subject, by employing several experiments and research projects, thus modifying the concept (Kellogg, 2002). They studied the theories of learning beginning from immaturity stage until the adult periods. Ultimately, they represented their findings in writing, which was later published for other educational purposes.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Learning and Performance specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Describe the concept of learning Concept learning begins at a child’s birth and proceeds all through its lifetime period. It is further noted that concept learning only happens in the following ways, i.e., concept formation and assimilation. Concept formation entails how an infant struggles to learn and recognize shapes, col or, and names of things. For instance, under normal circumstances, a child should be able to learn all these, by the age of three. Concept acquisition often results from what we bump into such as new words, thus learning them. For instance, one may encounter a new word from a dictionary thus finding out its meaning. There are specific issues associated with concept learning, for instance, determining whether there are single or numerous mechanisms and the problem of determining what was done before an individual attain the knowledge. Concept learning is extensively influenced by certain types of knowledge, i.e., the casual and the schemas (Eysenck Keane, 2005). Several problems also characterize concept learning; for instance, lack of knowledge theories that may assist in inferring knowledge impacts. Additionally, it is tricky to have an extensive conceptualization of the factors that led to the attainment of knowledge. Distinguish between learning and performance There exist a con siderable difference between learning and performance. Learning is influenced by factors such as training, rewards, partial reinforcement, and interstimulus time; whereas, performance is influenced by motivations and individual effort (Benjamin, 2007). Tolman, prominent psychology, contributed to the difference by insisting that learning is unobservable, and it’s exclusively evaluated and deduced by performance. Tolman also mentioned that learning is an internal process; whereas, on the contrary, he regarded performance as a behavior (external).Advertising Looking for essay on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Comparing and contrasting the conceptual approaches There exist two types of theoretical approaches, which noted as ecological and nonecological approaches. These approaches are directly linked to the study of learning, with different extensive explanations from several psychologists. It is noted that th ese two approaches consist of certain qualities; some of them are common to both methods, while others are not. The Ecological approach to the study of learning An ecological approach is considered as a product of traditional learning theory; in other words, the conventional learning theories played a vital role in developing the approach. However, despite its traditional origin, it is essential to acknowledge that, this theory approaches learning from a nontraditional perspective. The ecological approach also stresses that learning has certain features, which are decided by either two of the following reasons, i.e., previous happenings during the development period or by preontogenic factors that existed in their ancestors. The environment is one of the primary factors considered in defining and explaining the ecological factor. It plays a fundamental role in influencing the investigation and scrutiny of the learning process. Conclusively, the ecological approach connects learning with behavior, which is also extensively influenced by the environment. Nonecological approach to the study of learning The nonecological approach assumes a different position regarding the hitches of environmental explanations. It describes the environment as a collection of several stimuli and reinforcers. The application of stimuli on the approach utterly renders it nonecological, since it is unspecific to a particular person. It is noted that nonecological approach pilots the formation of several theories, although they are exclusively nonecological. Ultimately, it is also imperative, not to forget that tradition plays an extensive role in supporting the nonecological approach. Conclusion Bruner initially discussed the concept of learning, and then followed by several modifications by different scholars. The two concepts, i.e., learning and performance are dissimilar in various capacities, despite the extreme associations between them. There exist two types of conceptual approac hes, i.e., concerning learning; therefore, it is extraordinarily significant to understand the dissimilarity and the similarity within the terms, for a compelling understanding of the topic.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Learning and Performance specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More References Benjamin, T. L. (2007). A brief history of modern psychology. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell. Eysenck, W. M. Keane, M. T. (2005). Cognitive psychology: a student’s handbook. New York: Taylor and Francis. Kellogg, T. R. (2002). Cognitive psychology. California: Sage. This essay on Learning and Performance was written and submitted by user Ally Branch to help you with your own studies. 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