PSYC 3003 - Psychology of Learning

Basic Information

Course Code:

PSYC 3003

Course Name:

Psychology of Learning

Language of Instruction:

English

Course Type:

Class

Course Level:

Bachelor

ECTS:

7.00

Instructor:

Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Melis SÜNGÜ

Course Objectives

This course aims to provide students with a comprehensive perspective on the fundamental principles of learning and conditioning psychology within the context of modern behavioral sciences. The primary objective is not only to teach classic learning theories (Classical and Operant Conditioning) but also to analyze in depth the role of these theories in understanding human and animal behavior. The course will adopt an eclectic viewpoint, arguing that learning procedures do not operate in a vacuum; rather, they are built upon behavioral systems shaped by evolution. This approach will enable students to understand how learning is intertwined with biological, cognitive, and environmental factors.

Course Content

This course examines the fundamental principles of learning and conditioning from a behaviorist perspective. Topics begin with the definition of learning and its objective measurement methods, focusing on the underlying mechanisms of habituation, sensitization, classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and avoidance behavior.

Course Books / Materials / Recommended Resources

Domjan (2015). The Principles of Learning and Behavior.

Learning Outcomes

Code	Description
LO1	Fundamental Concepts of Learning
LO2	Habituation and Sensitization
LO3	Classical Conditioning and Operant Conditioning
LO4	Reinforcement and Punishment
LO5	Extinction

Weekly Course Content

Week	Content
1	Scope and Outlook
2	National Psychology Congress
3	Background and Rationale for the Study of Learning and Behavior
4	Elicited Behavior, Habituation, and Sensitization
5	Classical Conditioning: Foundations
6	Classical Conditioning: Mechanisms
7	Instrumental Conditioning: Foundations
8	Midterm
9	Schedules of Reinforcement and Choice Behavior
10	Instrumental Conditioning: Motivational Mechanisms
11	Stimulus Control of Behavior
12	Extinction of Conditioned Behavior
13	Aversive Control: Avoidance and Punishment
14	Wrapping up
15	Happy New Year

Workload Calculation

Activity	Count	Duration (Hours)	Total
Attendance	12	3.00	36.00
Pre-Class Individual Study	12	4.00	48.00
Post-Class Individual Study	12	4.00	48.00
Post-Prectice Individual Study	12	5.00	60.00
Midterm Exam/Preparation	1	3.00	3.00
Final Exam/Preparation	1	3.00	3.00
Homework	1	12.00	12.00
Total Workload (Hours)			210
ECTS Credit (Workload / 25)			7

Assessment

#	Assessment Type	Contribution (%)
1	Midterm Exam	%40
2	Homework	%20
3	Final Exam	%40
TOTAL		%100

PO - LO Matrix

PO \ LO	LO1	LO2	LO3	LO4	LO5
PO-1
PO-2
PO-3
PO-4
PO-5
PO-6
PO-7
PO-8
PO-9
PO-10
PO-11
PO-12
PO-13
PO-14
PO-15
PO-16

1

Low Contribution

2

Medium Contribution

3

High Contribution

Teaching and Learning Methods

#	Method Name	Description	Tools
1	Lecture (expository teaching), interactive discussion	Listening and taking notes.	Standard classroom technologies, multimedia tools (projector, computer, digital presentations)
2	Controversial Course	Listening and comprehension, critical thinking	Standard classroom technologies, multimedia tools, projector, computer, overhead projector
3	Brainstorming	The purpose of forming pairs is to ensure that they are open to innovation during the idea generation phase	Standard classroom technologies, multimedia tools, projector, computer, overhead projector
4	Homework	Solving and analyzing homework questions using a computer and Excel.	Computer

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