Mechanical Processes of Learning

Definition: 1. Predictable sequences of visual, auditory, and other sensations people observe before they performing a new behavior pattern.

2. Uses of technical aspects of learning as described in experimental empirical behavioral science research reports.

3. A process by which learning occurs regularly and predictably.

4. A series of alternative choices that result in a person more likely adopting, adapting, and extending one or more behavior patterns.

Synonyms: These terms denote continual repeated patterns of behavior. HABIT emphasizes repitition of a behavior pattern without linking it to alternative choices of action, such as accurately repeating a musical scale rapidly in isolation from a song. PRACTICE denotes repeating a behavior pattern in order to increase the likelihood that it occur with more efficiency and precision. MEANINGFUL LEARNING emphasizes a false dicotomy between the mechanics of learning and social values attached by custom to social artifacts such as printed words, deeds, and other signs. ROTE LEARNING emphasizes the repitition of an action over the use of the developing skill to accomplish something else, such as finding a given word in an online dictionary.

Antonyms: CAUSALITY requires evidence that when one behavior pattern occurs another will result rather than referring to an observed sequence in a behavior pattern. COGNITION refers to a set of inferred (non-observable) choices learners make before performing an observable pattern of behavior.

Metaphore: Learners use systems of observable techniques to change behavior patterns as do artists use identifiable brush strokes to apply oil pigmants on a canvas.