Learning Theory

Definition

The meaning of this term seems simple: Learning theory is the theory about how learning is achieved. Unfortunately, things are not that simple. A fundamental problem is that the term learning theory seems to suggest that there is a single, true theory of learning. Although one cannot exclude the possibility that such a theory might be developed, at present, nothing even comes close to the overarching learning theory. It is unlikely that such a theory will ever be formulated, if only because there are so many different types of learning. The next paragraphs will discuss two general types of learning: non-associative and associative learning. Afterward, this entry will focus on theories about associative learning because people often have these theories in mind when they use ...