what do psychologist call a relatively permanent change

Breiz Heurope

2 min read

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10-03-2025

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Psychologists refer to a relatively permanent change in behavior or knowledge as learning. This change isn't temporary; it results from experience and persists over time. It's a fundamental concept in psychology, impacting everything from simple reflexes to complex problem-solving skills. Understanding learning helps us explain how we acquire new information, adapt to our environment, and shape our behavior.

Types of Learning

Several types of learning exist, each with its own mechanisms and characteristics:

1. Classical Conditioning

This type of learning, pioneered by Ivan Pavlov, involves associating two stimuli. A neutral stimulus becomes associated with a naturally occurring stimulus (unconditioned stimulus) that elicits a response (unconditioned response). Over time, the neutral stimulus alone elicits a similar response (conditioned response). Think of Pavlov's dogs – the bell (neutral stimulus) became associated with food (unconditioned stimulus), eventually causing salivation (conditioned response) at the sound of the bell alone. This is a relatively permanent change in behavior resulting from repeated pairings.

2. Operant Conditioning

Developed by B.F. Skinner, this involves learning through consequences. Behaviors followed by positive reinforcement (rewards) are more likely to be repeated, while behaviors followed by punishment are less likely. For example, a child who receives praise for completing their homework (positive reinforcement) is more likely to do their homework consistently. This demonstrates a lasting change in behavior due to consequences.

3. Observational Learning (Social Learning Theory)

Albert Bandura's social learning theory highlights the impact of observing others. We learn by watching and imitating models, especially those we admire or identify with. This can include learning both positive and negative behaviors. For instance, a child might learn aggressive behaviors by observing them on television. This learned behavior represents a relatively permanent change if it becomes a habit.

4. Cognitive Learning

This focuses on mental processes involved in learning. It encompasses various aspects, including problem-solving, memory, and language acquisition. Learning a new language, for example, requires acquiring new vocabulary, grammar rules, and pronunciation, all of which represent permanent changes in cognitive abilities. This type of learning is often considered more complex than classical or operant conditioning.

The Role of Memory in Learning

Memory is intrinsically linked to learning. For a change in behavior or knowledge to be considered relatively permanent, it must be encoded, stored, and retrieved. Different types of memory systems contribute:

• Sensory Memory: Briefly holds sensory information.
• Short-Term Memory (Working Memory): Holds information temporarily for processing.
• Long-Term Memory: Stores information relatively permanently. This includes declarative (explicit) memory (facts and events) and non-declarative (implicit) memory (skills and habits).

Factors Affecting Learning and Memory

Several factors can affect how effectively we learn and retain information:

• Attention: We must pay attention to learn. Distractions impair learning.
• Motivation: Interest and motivation significantly impact the learning process.
• Encoding: The way we process information influences how well it's stored.
• Retrieval cues: Hints or reminders can help us access stored information.

Conclusion

In psychology, a relatively permanent change in behavior or knowledge resulting from experience is termed learning. Various types of learning exist, each involving different mechanisms. Memory plays a crucial role in making these changes enduring. Understanding these processes is fundamental to understanding human behavior and cognitive development. The permanence of these changes can be impacted by several factors, highlighting the complexity of learning and memory.