Question

Children in the age group of five to fourteen are impressionable, especially by one another and their teacher. Effective learning occurs when children are encouraged to associate desirable or undesirable outcomes with certain behaviours. For example, Parminder, aged fourteen, finds it difficult to understand Physics. He develops a dislike for the subject. However, when his efforts in a group assignment are recognised and appreciated by the teacher, he begins to take an interest in the subject.

1. Name and briefly explain the type of conditioning used by Parminder’s teacher. (2)
2. Enumerate any two processes that lead to formation of attitudes, other than the one referred to in subpart (2)

Answer 1

i. This type of learning is accomplished by reinforcement or punishment. In Parminder’s situation, the teacher uses positive reinforcement. The teacher raises the possibility that Parminder will repeat a certain behaviour by delivering a desirable stimulus (recognition and admiration) after it has occurred. This changes his emotional connection to Physics from frustration to achievement.

ii. While conditioning is a major factor, attitudes are also formed through other social and cognitive avenues. Here are two other primary processes:

1. Learning by Observation: Children frequently learn views by just seeing others, particularly “significant others” such as parents, elder siblings, or peers. If a child observes their older sibling being commended for being environmentally conscientious, the child is more likely to adopt a positive attitude toward recycling without receiving direct reinforcement.
2. Learning through Exposure to Information: The media, novels, and school curriculum can all influence people’s attitudes. Frequent exposure to information about a topic (for example, the benefits of a healthy diet or the necessity of social justice) can establish a cognitive framework that leads to the development of a certain positive or negative attitude toward that subject.