The main difference between associative and non-associative learning is that in associative learning, a stimulus is paired with a behavior, whereas in non-associative learning, a stimulus is not paired with a behavior.
We can categorize the basic process of learning into two categories as associative learning and non-associative learning. In associative learning, we make associations between various unrelated elements, but in non-associative learning, there is no association between stimuli.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Associative Learning
– Definition, Features
2. What is Non-associative Learning
– Definition, Features
3. Difference Between Associative and Non-associative Learning
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Associative Learning, Non-associative Learning, Habituation, Sensitization
What is Associative Learning
Associative learning is a type of learning that happens when two unrelated elements get connected in our brains through the process of conditioning. Our brains usually do not recall information in isolation; we generally group information together with our associative memory. This is something we do quite naturally. Associative learning is a form of conditioning that involves a stimulus and a response. For example, when you eat a certain type of food, you may experience stomachaches. After you make the association between the food and your health, you will learn to avoid this food altogether. Similarly, as a child, you may have noticed that good grades get you praise and rewards, so you would have tried your best to achieve good grades.
The concept of associative learning is very important in the field of education. Classical conditioning and operant conditioning are two classical types of associative learning.
What is Non-associative Learning
Non-associative learning is a type of learning where there is no association between a stimulus and a behavior. It’s a very simple form of learning. In non-associative learning, an organism’s behavior toward a certain stimulus changes over time in the absence of any evident association with consequences or other stimuli that would induce such change. Moreover, habituation and sensitization are the two basic non-associative learning methods.
Habituation is a decrease in an innate response to a frequently repeated stimulus. For instance, if you are working with a radio playing in the background, the noise will distract you at first. But after a while, you will gradually tune out the noise and focus on your work. Sensitization, on the other hand, is the increased reaction to a stimulus after repeated exposure to that stimulus. In this instance, you become more sensitive to the stimulus as time goes on. Here, frequent exposure to a stimulus increases the strength of the reaction to a stimulus.
Difference Between Associative and Non-associative Learning
Definition
Associative learning is a type of learning that happens when two unrelated elements get connected in our brains through the process of conditioning. Non-associative learning, on the other hand, is a type of learning where an organism’s behavior, toward a certain stimulus, changes over time in the absence of any evident association with consequences or other stimuli that would induce such change.
Stimuli and Behavior
In associative learning, a stimulus is paired with a behavior, whereas in non-associative learning, a stimulus is not paired with a behavior.
Types
Associative learning can be classical conditioning or operant conditioning, whereas non-associative learning can be habituation or sensitization.
Conclusion
In brief, associative learning is a type of learning that involves an association between two unrelated elements. Non-associative learning, on the other hand, is a type of learning where an organism’s behavior, toward a certain stimulus, changes over time in the absence of any evident association with consequences or other stimuli that would induce such change. The main difference between associative and non-associative learning is that in associative learning, a stimulus is paired with a behavior, whereas in non-associative learning, a stimulus is not paired with a behavior.
Reference:
1. “Associative Learning.” Twinkl.com.
2. Tudge, Niki. “What Is Non-Associative Learning? – Sensitization and Habituation.” The DogSmith.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Classical vs operant conditioning” By Perey – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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