Definition of Cognitive Learning - Essay Example

Many factors that include but are not limited to culture, nurture, education, and religion impart knowledge to the individual and influence his/her behavior. Cognitive learning comprises an understanding of the way an individual’s behavior is influenced by the aforementioned factors. The information thus retrieved can be used for formulating learning programs.

Cognitive learning makes an individual gain the necessary knowledge himself/herself by making use of his/her senses. One does not have to be told to learn something particular or behave in a particular manner. Instead, the message is conveyed to the individual without having him/her realize that it was purposefully done. There are numerous ways to achieve this. For example, when a child is appreciated for having behaved in a good manner, he/she will realize that such behavior invites a positive response from the adults. So he/she will make it a habit. Likewise, when a child is scolded for having behaved wrongly, he/she would tend not to repeat the act in the future. Companies generally have a reward and punishment system in place to make the employees behave rightly in the workplace.

Part 2:
Cognitive learning commences as soon as a child begins to gain a sense of the world. In my early childhood days, I was fond of meddling with the switches. Where ever I found a plug, I would put my fingers into it. Once, I got a severe electric shock as a result of my actions, though I did not remember this for long until I was severely scolded by my father. Since then, I remembered that the act of putting my fingers in the plug would invite unwanted consequences. Either I would catch an electric shock, or else, I would be scolded. Having remembered this, I got rid of my habit. My act of learning not to put my finger in the plug was a consequence of several incidents, perceptions, and intuitions.

I perceived plugs as dangerous things and became very cautious in their use in general. Some of my acts that show my increased precautionary behavior towards the plugs are that I make sure that my hands are completely dry before I touch a plug. I don’t insert a switch into a plug unless it is off. Likewise, while taking a switch out of a plug, I make sure that it is turned off. What to talk of inserting my finger into the plug, I have become generally precautious in my handling of the plugs. I believe that the two incidents of my early childhood have taught me life-long lessons. This is what cognitive learning is! Read More