Question

Describe what is meant by serial learning and paired associate learning and give a real-life example of each.

Answer 1

Serial learning is the ability to remember the first and last bits of information when it is presented in a sequence. The order of the stimuli presented plays a key role in the information retained. For example: If you were to list out of Beyonce's singles that topped the Billboard charts, you may be able to get the first three or four songs right and probably the last three or four songs that topped the charts.Everything else in the middle might be more difficult to remember.

Paired-associate learning is the process of associating a particular stimulus with a stimulus of a different kind in order to evoke a response. The most common example of this form of learning is the experiment conducted by Pavlov. The dog in the experiment began to salivate at the sound of the bell because associated the sound of the bell with food.