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Class 12 Education Chapter 4 Learning
Selected Questions-Answers
A. Fill in the blanks: (Marks for each – 1)
1. Substitution of stimulus is the main content of the theory of — in learning.
Ans: Conditioning.
2. On the island of Tenerife, the animal most frequently experimented upon by Köhler was —.
Ans: Chimpanzee.
3. According to Skinner, “Learning is the acquisition and retention of habits, knowledge, and —.”
Ans: Attitude.
4. The founder of the Gestalt School of Psychology was —.
Ans: Köhler.
5. Learning is the acquisition of —.
Ans: Experience.
6. According to Thorndike, learning is the establishment of connection between — and —.
Ans: Stimulus and response.
7. The supporter of the trial and error method of learning was —.
Ans: Thorndike.
8. Gestalt is a — word.
Ans: German.
9. The law of exercise in learning gives importance to —.
Ans: Repetition.
10. Learning is the modification of — through experience.
Ans: Behaviour.
11. The — theory was propounded by Pavlov.
Ans: Conditioning.
12. If a natural response is produced by an artificial stimulus, it is called —.
Ans: Conditioning.
State Whether True or False:
1. No preparation of the learner is necessary for learning.
Ans: False.
2. Ill health hinders learning.
Ans: True.
3. Rhythmic recitation is a good condition of learning.
Ans: True.
4. Interest is essential in learning.
Ans: True.
5. Learning is a life-long process.
Ans: True.
6. Learning modifies behaviour only in good aspects, not in bad aspects.
Ans: False.
7. Learning may be both conscious and unconscious.
Ans: True.
8. Very temporary change in behaviour is called learning.
Ans: False.
9. Insight learning is a mechanical type of learning.
Ans: False.
10. Trial and error method is not effective in higher learning.
Ans: True.
11. Insight is a higher level method of learning.
Ans: True.
12. Learning does not depend upon maturation.
Ans: False.
13. Insight method is a mechanical method of learning.
Ans: False.
14. The desire to learn makes half the learning possible.
Ans: True.
15. Trial and error method is a problem-solving process of learning.
Ans: True.
16. Maturation is a natural process.
Ans: True.
17. In trial and error learning, errors have educational value.
Ans: True.
18. By nature, maturation is biological.
Ans: True.
19. Insight explains learning from a physical point of view.
Ans: False.
20. All living beings have equal learning capacity.
Ans: False.
21. Trial and error learning is “learning by selection and connection.”
Ans: True.
22. Conditioning is an associative type of learning.
Ans: True.
23. Conditioning substitutes one stimulus for another.
Ans: True.
24. No preparation of the learner is necessary for learning.
Ans: False.
25. Ill health hinders learning.
Ans: True.
26. Fill in the blanks:
(a) The basis of punishment and reward in education is the law of— of learning. H S ’15
Ans: Effect.
(b) Satisfaction and practice are the main elements of the — method of learning. H S ’17
Ans: Trial and error.
(c) After repeated attempts, a student became able to solve amathematical problem independently. This learning process issupported by the — method. H S ’18
Ans: Trial and error.
(d) The — supported the trial and error method of learning. H S’17
Ans: Thorndike.
(e) Mention the laws of learning related to the following proverbs. H S ’19
(i) “Practice makes perfect.”
Ans: Law of exercise.
(ii) “Success breeds success.”
Ans: Law of effect.
27. The name of the first secondary school of Assam is —. H S ’20
Ans: Guwahati Seminary School.
28. When a person voluntarily directs attention to an object or subject without external interference, it is called — attention. H S ’20
Ans: Voluntary.
29. Loud sounds and flashing lights attract our attention immediately— explain the reason. H S ’19
Ans: When a stimulus is very intense, it spontaneously attracts our attention; therefore, loud sounds and flashing lights immediately draw our attention.
B. Short Answer Type Questions
1. Give an example of behaviour as a result of conditioning.
Ans: Formation of good habits is an example of behaviour resulting from conditioning.
2. Write the definition of learning given by Gates.
Ans: According to Gates, “Learning is the modification of behaviour through experience and training.”
3. In Pavlov’s conditioning experiment, which was the conditioned response?
Ans: The sound of the bell is stated as the conditioned response.
4. What is conditioned response?
Ans: When a new connection is formed between an artificial stimulus and a natural response, the resulting response is called a conditioned response.
5. What is artificial stimulus?
Ans: According to conditioning theory, a natural stimulus is replaced byan artificial stimulus, while the response remains the same.
6. Give an example of behaviour learned through trial and errormethod.
Ans: Giving up bad habits and forming good habits is an example learned through trial and error.
7. What are the two divisions of the law of exercise?
Ans: Law of use and law of disuse.
8. What is overlearning?
Ans: When more effort than necessary is applied to learn a subject, it is called overlearning; however, it should not become burdensome.
9. What is spaced learning?
Ans: Spaced learning is a method in which the learner may suspend learning for some time according to need; this helps to restore physical and mental energy and resume learning with renewed enthusiasm.
10. Trial and error method of learning is related to which theory?
Ans: It is related to the Connectionism theory.
11. Insight method of learning is related to which theory? H S ’17
Ans: It is related to Gestalt theory.
12. Mention one common characteristic of maturation and learning.
Ans: Both help in the development of the individual.
13. Explain the concept of learning with a suitable example.
Ans: Immediately after birth, a child cannot adjust to natural life and depends on others for eating, bathing, and dressing. After a certain period, the child learns to perform these activities independently. This is learning. Thus, learning begins at birth and continues until death.
14. Explain the law of use and disuse.
Ans: According to Thorndike, when a modifiable connection between situation and response is repeatedly exercised under similar conditions, the strength of the connection increases. If the connection is not exercised for a long time, its strength decreases. That is, continued practice strengthens learning, while lack of practice weakens it.
15. Name two supporters of the Gestalt theory of learning.
Ans: Kohler and Koffka.
16. A driver stops his car on seeing a red traffic light. Which method of learning is involved here? H S ’16
Ans: Conditioning method.
17. “Learning depends upon insight into the whole.” With which method is this statement associated? H S ’15
Ans: Insight method.
18. Learning depends upon maturation – explain with example. HS ’18
Ans: Learning is a life-long process. With increasing age, an individual attains physical, mental, and neurological maturity. As maturity develops, the individual becomes capable of understanding complex problems. For example, a primary school student cannot understand complex mathematical formulas due to lack of maturity, whereas a tenth-grade student can understand themeasily. The main reason is age and corresponding physical and mental maturity.
19. What is conditioned response? In Pavlov’s experiment, what was the conditioned response? H S ’17
Ans: When an artificial stimulus is presented instead of a natural stimulusand the same natural response occurs, it is called conditioned response. InPavlov’s experiment, salivation at the sound of the bell was the conditioned response.
20. Mention the two divisions of the law of exercise. H S ’17, ’20
Ans: (a) Law of use. (b) Law of disuse.
21. Mention two educational applications of the law of conditioning. H S ’18
Ans: Two educational applications of the law of conditioning are:
(a) Behaviour modification.
(b) Assistance in language learning.
22. Mention the law of use and disuse in learning. H S ’16
Ans: The law of use and disuse are:
(a) When the connection between situation and response is strengthened through practice, learning becomes stronger.
(b) If the connection is not maintained for a long time, its strength decreases; continued practice keeps learning active, while discontinuation weakens it.
C. Answer the following: (Marks for each – 3 or 4)
1. What is Insight? H. S. ’19
Ans: Learning acquired through goal-directed activity is called learning through insight. In this method, we first try to understand the whole situation with the help of our intelligence and insight, and then we become able to act satisfactorily in that situation. Almost all discoveries and inventions take place as a result of insight.
2. Discuss the relationship between learning and result.
Ans: There is a close relationship between learning and result. If the result of learning is satisfactory, the learner feels encouraged to repeat the activity. On the other hand, if the result is not satisfactory, the learner becomes discouraged. Therefore, there is a mutual relationship between learning and result.
3. Discuss the relationship between learning and interest.
Ans: There is a close relationship between learning and interest. Without interest, learning activity is impossible. Interest creates mental readiness in the learner, which is highly essential for effective learning.
4. What are the main principles of learning?
Ans: The three main principles of learning are:
(a) Law of effect
(b) Law of exercise
(c) Law of readiness
5. Mention four important characteristics of learning. H. S. ’17, ’18
Ans: The important characteristics of learning are:
(a) Learning is a specific activity of behaviour modification.
(b) Learning is always guided by a definite goal and objective.
(c) Learning is influenced by biological factors, heredity, and environment.
(d) Learning is a universal process.
6. Write the differences between the trial and error method and the insight method.
Ans: The differences between trial and error method and insight method are as follows:
(a) Trial and error is a mechanical method. On the other hand, the insight method completely avoids mechanical activity.
(b) Trial and error is suitable for lower animals. On the other hand, insight method is suitable for higher animals.
(c) Trial and error depend upon the effort and labour of the learner. On the other hand, insight method depends upon the nature, need, and intellectual
level of the learner.
7. “Learning is a developmental process” – Explain. H. S. ’15, ’18
Or
“Learning is nothing but a problem-solving process.” Give your opinion. H. S. ’18
Ans: Learning is the life experience acquired through change and gradual progress in conditions. Human beings constantly face new environments, situations, and problems. By gradually modifying and improving their instinctive activities and behaviours, they adjust themselves to the environment in a healthy manner. Through this, they gain continuous experience of improved actions and skills and solve the problems faced in daily life. Therefore, learning is a developmental experience achieved gradually through change. It is through learning that human progress becomes possible. Hence, it is said that learning is nothing but a problem-solving process.
8. Write the differences between whole learning and part learning.
Ans: The differences between whole learning and part learning are:
(a) In whole learning, the subject matter is understood as a whole. In part learning, the subject matter is understood in parts.
(b) Part learning is clearer and more precise than whole learning.
(c) Young children and less intelligent students can learn better through part learning than whole learning.
(d) Whole learning is more effective in higher education and research work. On the other hand, part learning is more suitable for small school children.
(e) In whole learning, learners can utilize their thinking and intelligence more effectively. In part learning, this is less required.
9. What is the educational significance of the law of effect? H. S.’18
Ans: The educational significance of the law of effect is as follows:
(a) When teachers provide encouragement for good work, students tend to repeat it, and repetition makes the learning experience permanent.
(b) If students are rewarded for good work, they are encouraged to continue doing good work. If they are punished for bad work, they avoid repeating it.
(c) The system of reward and punishment in education is based on the law of effect.
(d) The law of effect helps in the behaviour modification of students.
10. Discuss the differences between learning and maturation. H. S.’16, ’19
Ans: The differences between learning and maturation are:
(a) Learning is a planned process. On the other hand, maturation is an automatic process.
(b) Interest plays an important role in learning. But maturation does not require interest.
(c) Repetition is essential in learning. But repetition is not necessary for maturation.
(d) Learning has no fixed age limit and continues throughout life. On the other hand, age is an important factor in maturation.
11. What is insight? Mention three characteristics (educational significance) of insight learning. H. S. ’16, ’20
Ans: Learning acquired through goal-directed activity is called insight learning. In this method, we first understand the whole situation through intelligence and insight and then act satisfactorily. Most discoveries and inventions are the result of insight.
The three characteristics of insight learning are:
(a) It gives importance to wholeness rather than parts.
(b) It avoids the trial-and-error principle.
(c) It emphasizes observation and perceptual ability.
D. Answer in detail: (Marks for each – 5)
1. What is the position of the conditioning theory of learning in the classroom?
Or
Discuss the educational significance of conditioning theory. H. S. ’19
Ans: The position of conditioning theory of learning in the classroom is as follows:
(a) It helps students to develop good habits such as cleanliness and discipline.
(b) It helps in developing emotions like fear and love.
(c) It contributes to language development of students.
(d) It helps students to give up bad habits.
(e) Through conditioning, students can acquire various types of learning.
2. Discuss the nature (characteristics) of learning.
Ans: The main characteristics of learning are:
(a) Learning always has a definite goal or objective.
(b) It involves gaining new experience by applying previous experience.
(c) Learning capacity is not equal in all living beings.
(d) Learning establishes a connection between stimulus and response.
(e) Through learning, new experiences and improved behaviour can be acquired.
(f) Learning occurs both at individual and social levels.
3. Discuss the conditions of learning related to the learner. H. S. ’20
Ans: The conditions of learning related to the learner are:
(a) Physical fitness: Normal functioning of bodily organs, brain efficiency, and nervous strength influence learning.
(b) Age and sex: Learning capacity varies according to age. There are also differences between boys and girls in learning capacity.
(c) Freedom from fatigue: Physical and mental fitness are essential for learning.
(d) Attitude: A constructive and positive attitude is necessary for effective learning.
(e) Interest and inclination: Interest and inclination mentally prepare an individual for learning.
4. Explain the theory of conditioned response in learning. Give an example.
Ans: When an artificial stimulus is presented in place of a natural stimulus and the individual shows the same natural response, it is called a conditioned response. The first response becomes associated with the second response. Under the influence of a strong stimulus, a relatively weaker stimulus also produces a similar response. This is conditioning.
An example is the experiment conducted by Ivan Pavlov. He placed a piece of meat before a hungry dog. The dog salivated on seeing the meat, which is a natural response. At the same time, a bell was rung. Initially, the dog responded to the bell differently. After repeated pairing of the bell sound and meat, eventually, when only the bell was rung, the dog salivated. Salivation to the bell sound is not a natural response; this is conditioning. Such an unnatural response to a stimulus is called a conditioned response.
6. Describe Kohler’s experiment on insight learning.
Ans: The insight method of learning is based on Gestalt theory, which holds that learning occurs as a whole. According to Gestalt psychologists, learners try to understand subject
matter as a whole rather than in parts. After understanding the interrelationship of parts, a complete image is formed in the learner’s mind. Wolfgang Köhlerconducted an experiment on a chimpanzee named Sultan. He placed the chimpanzee inside a cage and kept some bananas outside. Two sticks were also kept inside the cage. The chimpanzee tried to reach the bananas with its hands but failed. After some time, it noticed the sticks and tried to use them to get the bananas, but still failed. Finally, it joined the two sticks together and successfully reached the bananas. Thus, the chimpanzee solved the problem through insight.
7. Briefly discuss the educational significance of the law of readiness. H. S. ’15
Ans: The success of teaching and learning depends on the learner’s concentration, desire, intention, and mental readiness. Readiness means awareness of the importance, benefit, and necessity of education. Attention is directed towards objects that satisfy physical or mental needs. For example, while teaching about the physical features of a region, a teacher may use amap. This creates interest and mental readiness among students. Teachers can also motivate students through examples, stories, and illustrations. Since motivation is a strong form of mental readiness, the law of readiness has significant educational importance.
8. How does learning occur through trial and error? Explain with an example. H. S. ’16
Ans: Among the various methods of learning, one is the trial and errormethod. It holds that learning occurs through repeated attempts and errors. Edward Thorndike demonstrated this method through an experiment. He placed a hungry cat inside a puzzle box and kept a piece of meat outside. The door of the box could be opened by pulling a string. The cat made various attempts to open the door. After some time, it accidentally pulled the string, and the door opened. The cat then reached the meat. On repeated trials, the cat gradually learned to pull the string quickly. This proves that learning occurs through trial and error.
9. What are the effects of conditioning in classroom learning? Discuss. H. S. ’16, ’15, ’20
Ans: Conditioning means that when an artificial stimulus is presented instead of a natural stimulus and produces the same response, it is called a conditioned response. The effects of conditioning in the classroom are:
(a) It helps teach cleanliness and discipline easily (b) It helps remove fear and develop love, affection, and respect for elders.
(c) It helps in language development.
(d) It promotes both personal mental development and social knowledge.
10. What is learning through insight? Mention two limitations of this method. H. S. ’17
Ans: Learning through goal-directed activity is called insight learning. It involves understanding the whole situation through intelligence and then acting accordingly. Most discoveries and inventions are results of insight.
The two limitations are:
(a) It is suitable only for higher organisms.
(b) It is not effective for students with weak mental ability.
11. Mention four educational values of insight method in education. H. S. ’18
Ans: The four educational values of insight method are:
(a) It is effective for creative and constructive education.
(b) It helps in developing the latent talents of learners.
(c) It is especially effective in understanding complex subjects.
(d) It develops courage, self-awareness, and thinking ability.
12. What are the basic principles of learning? H. S. ’17
Ans: The three main principles of learning are:
(a) Law of effect
(b) Law of exercise
(c) Law of readiness The educational significance of the law of exercise is:
(a) It makes learned material permanent through practice.
(b) It helps develop human qualities.
(c) It helps remove bad habits through repeated practice.
13. What is learning? Mention four characteristics of learning. H.S. ’17
Ans: Learning is the life experience acquired through change and gradual progress. In a broad sense, learning develops physical, mental, and social qualities of an individual. It begins at birth and continues until death. Proper learning leads an individual from lower to higher stages of development.
The main characteristics of learning are:
(a) It involves applying old experience to gain new experience.
(b) It always has a definite goal.
(c) Learning capacity is not equal among all living beings.
(d) It establishes a connection between stimulus and response.
(e) It enables the acquisition of new experiences and improved behaviour.
(f) It occurs at both individual and social levels.
