Lesson 1: Behaviours not dependent on learning

What you need to know and be able to do by the end of the lesson

• Define the term ‘learning’

• Explain the differences between reflex actions, fixed action patterns, and behaviours due to maturation

In you own words try to define the term ‘Learning’

Learning can be defined as any relatively permanent change in behaviour that may occur as a result of experience.

Behaviours not dependent on learning

Reflex Actions

Fixed Action Patterns Maturation

Reflex Actions

A reflex is an innate, automatic reaction involving a simple rapid response to specific stimulus, which does not depend on conscious thought or processing by the brain.

What is the purpose of reflexes?

Fixed action patternsFixed action patterns, also known as species-specific behaviours, are behaviours that occur among nearly all members of a species. These behaviours are typically more complex than a reflex. A fixed action pattern occurs when all members of a species produce a similar response to the same specific environmental stimuli.

MaturationThe orderly, sequential changes the body is genetically predetermined to undertake is referred to as maturation.

Certain behaviours are not possible until a specific developmental stage has been reached.

For instance, a child can not be toilet trained until they are maturationally ready, meaning they have to have developed the requisite ability to maintain bladder control.

Activities

Activity 3 In pairs choose two good examples of each type of behaviour not dependent on learning and prepare a podcast showing the example.

Activity 1 Briefly describe three key characteristics of behaviour that is learned.

 Activity 2 Create a Venn Diagram with the headings, reflex actions, fixed-action pattern, and maturation.

Question  23,  2009    Which  of  the  following  behaviours  is  not  dependent  on  learning?    A.  avoidance  of  a  food  that  made  you  sick  the  last  time  you  ate  it    

B.  salivating  at  the  sound  of  a  bell    C.  blinking  when  air  is  blown  into  your  eyes    D.  talking  with  friends    

Question  24,  2009  The  mating  dance  of  a  bird  is  an  example  of    A.  a  reflex  action.    B.  a  fixed-­‐action  pattern.    C.  operant  conditioning.    D.  generalisation.    

Question  1,  2012  Use  an  example  to  explain  a  reflex  action.    ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________  

              3  marks    

Reflex actions are unlearned, simple, automatic/involuntary responses that do not require prior experience. Forexample, a person will blink when a puff of air is blown into the eye.

Important points to be made includedit is a simple behaviourit is an unlearned behaviour/genetically programmed/innate/not due to past experience it is a non-species specific action an appropriate example correct explanation of a reflex action.

If students did not explain using an appropriate example, the score was limited to one mark.

Answer

Question 2, 2012Marco breeds birds and his favourite bird is Polly the parrot. Marco watched when Polly broke through her eggshell and hatched. Polly is now an adult bird. When Marco comes in to feed her, Polly gets very excited and screeches loudly when she hears the door of the birdcage open. Marco now wants to try to teach Polly to say some words.

A. Identify one of Polly’s behaviours in this scenario that is not due to learning.

Either ofPolly breaking through the egg shell/hatching (maturation)screeching (maturation).