Learning | Class 11 Psychology Notes
By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 17 July 2026 · 2 min read
Learning – this guide gives you a concise, exam-ready overview of Learning from Class 11 Psychology, written by ConceptScroll editors and reviewed against the latest NCERT textbook.
Introduction
At birth, humans possess a limited set of reflexive responses triggered by environmental stimuli. As development progresses, individuals acquire the ability to perform diverse and complex responses such as recognizing family members, using utensils, reading and writing, and communicating effectively. This capacity to acquire new behaviors and skills through experience is termed learning. Learning enables individuals to adapt to their environment, solve problems, and develop social and professional competencies. This chapter explores the nature of learning, various types of learning including classical and operant conditioning, observational and cognitive learning, verbal and skill learning, as well as factors influencing learning and learning disabilities. The chapter also emphasizes that learning is a psychological process inferred from changes in behavior rather than the behavior itself, which is termed performance.
🔗 Connection: This section introduces the concept of learning and sets the foundation for understanding its nature, leading into the detailed explanation of the nature and features of learning.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is learning? What are its distinguishing features?
Learning is a relatively permanent change in behaviour or behavioural potential that occurs as a result of experience. Its distinguishing features include: (1) It is a change in behaviour or behavioural potential, (2) The change is relatively permanent, (3) It results from experience, (4) It involves acquisition of new knowledge, skills, attitudes or values.
2. How does classical conditioning demonstrate learning by association?
Classical conditioning demonstrates learning by association by pairing a neutral stimulus (NS) with an unconditioned stimulus (UCS) that naturally elicits an unconditioned response (UCR). After repeated pairings, the neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus (CS) that elicits a conditioned response (CR) similar to the UCR. This shows that learning occurs when two stimuli are associated.
3. Define operant conditioning. Discuss the factors that influence the course of operant conditioning.
Operant conditioning is a type of learning in which behaviour is strengthened or weakened by its consequences, such as reinforcement or punishment. Factors influencing operant conditioning include: (1) The nature of the reinforcement or punishment (positive or negative), (2) The timing of the consequence (immediate consequences are more effective), (3) The schedule of reinforcement (continuous or partial), (4) The motivation of the learner, (5) The previous learning history.
4. A good role model is very important for a growing up child. Discuss the kind of learning that supports it.
The kind of learning that supports the importance of a good role model is observational learning or social learning. Children learn behaviours, attitudes, and values by observing and imitating the actions of role models such as parents, teachers, and peers. This learning involves attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation.
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- अभिप्रेरणा एवं संवेग | Class 11 Psychology Notes
Clear NCERT-aligned notes on अभिप्रेरणा एवं संवेग for Class 11 Psychology.
- अभिप्रेरणा एवं संवेग | Class 11 Psychology Notes
Clear NCERT-aligned notes on अभिप्रेरणा एवं संवेग for Class 11 Psychology.
- अभिप्रेरणा एवं संवेग | Class 11 Psychology Notes
Clear NCERT-aligned notes on अभिप्रेरणा एवं संवेग for Class 11 Psychology.