Question

How can cognitive learning occur through observation, modeling , and language ?

Answer 1

Note: This response is in UK English, please paste the response to MS Word and you should be able to spot discrepancies easily. You may elaborate the answer based on personal views or your classwork if necessary.

(Answer) Cognitive learning is the process of the brain where the input information is processed and retained. This information then forms the output which is the behaviour. The tools that the mind uses for cognitive learning are:

Observation – This is where the mind uses the senses like sight, hearing, taste, touch etc in order to grasp information. For instance, John watches a film and absorbs it through the sense of sight and sound. He processes this information through his cognition and decides that he likes the film because he finds the story relatable.

Modelling – This is when behaviour is learnt, reformed or honed based on cognitive learning. For instance, John is a bad artist. However, after painting a few times, he observes his mistakes and then improves his methods, as a result, he learns more about painting. This is cognitive learning by modelling.

Language – According to Piaget, the two major stages of language development in a child through cognitive learning is the sensorimotor and preoperational phase.

Sensorimotor (0-2 years) Infant develops learning based on what is absorbed through the senses. This is when an infant might hear his mother’s voice and begins to distinguish it from other voices.

Preoperational (2-6 years) Child uses images to understand objects but does not understand them logically. This is when a child uses a vegetable picture book to recognise an eggplant but does not know that it is something we consume. It is merely a picture to be recognised.