Learning and Motivation

Catalog description

This course is an introduction to the topics of learning and memory, with an emphasis on experimental studies that have applications to human behavior. The topics of learning theories will include classical and instrumental learning, reinforcement, generalization, forgetting, and the limits of learning. Additionally, this course will cover factors that motivate humans in terms of their behaviors, desires and aspirations. To fully appreciate human motivation, this course will explore conditions in the person, environment and culture that explain human behavior, goals and thoughts. Applied areas such as addictions, phobias, depression, and eating disorders will also be explored.