FSU PSYC320 2021 January Discussion 1 Latest

PSYC320 Theories of Learning

Discussion 1

Chapter 1 discusses the issue of Nature versus Nurture (page 9). Aristotle believed knowledge was attained through experience while René Descartes believed that much of what we know is innate.  Along the lines of Aristotle, John Locke argued that all knowledge is derived from experience because we arrive in the world as a blank slate (tabula rosa). The behavioral psychology movement developed from John Watson’s and B.F. Skinner’s emphasis on learning through reinforcement.

This Discussion is meant to reflect your personal ideas, not textbook language or theories. These questions are meant to stimulate your thinking about learning.

Since this Discussion is viewable by others, do not share thoughts that you would not want others to know.  Please focus on the issue, not on the individual who is expressing their opinions.  Any hostile or negative comments directed toward another student will significantly lower your score on the discussion.

For Discussion #1, post one Thread in which you answer all of the following questions. You are expected to write full paragraphs and give specific examples as part of your answers. A short 2-3 sentence answer is NOT sufficient to earn full credit.

Then pick at least 3-4 or more Threads to Reply to in a meaningful way.  Write 3-4 sentences or more in each Reply explaining your thoughts.    (Note: This does not mean that you must Reply to 3-4 different students.  You may Reply to several different Threads from the same student.)

Be sure to post Threads on several different days. Points will be deducted if you wait until the last two days to post your threads or post threads on only one day.

(1) Our physical bodies are important in our development.  In what ways have your physical abilities/inabilities affected your learning?

(2) In what ways have your parents’ abilities/inabilities affected your learning?

(3)  What skills have you developed based upon your childhood environment?