Learning and Motivation

Catalog description

This course introduces students to central theories of learning and motivation. Covered topics include: behavioral and non-behavioral categories of learning, respondent/classical conditioning, operant conditioning, extinction, shaping procedures, differential reinforcement, antecedent control procedures, and ethical issues related to the use of punishment in behavior modification. Covered theories of motivation include: Maslow hierarchical theory, drive reduction theory, optimal arousal theory, incentive theory, intrinsic/extrinsic motivation, equity theory, expectancy theory, motivation-hygiene theory, and goal setting theory. Students will apply theories to real world problems and design research topics related to existing learning and motivation literature.