Introduction to Theories of Learning: Clinical Implications and Applications

Introduction to Theories of Learning: Clinical Implications and Applications


Welcome to our online self-paced course on Theories of Learning with a special focus on the clinical implications and applications! This course is designed for individuals who are preparing for the MRCPsych exams and want to gain a comprehensive understanding of the theories of learning and their clinical applications.


In this course, you will learn about the key principles and concepts of the major theories of learning, including classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and observational learning. You will explore the different ways in which these theories have been applied in the clinical setting, including in behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, and family therapy. The course will also cover the importance of understanding the social and cultural context in which learning occurs and how this impacts the development of clinical problems.


This course is structured to provide a comprehensive overview of the theories of learning and their clinical applications, and is suitable for individuals with a variety of backgrounds and experience levels. Whether you are a mental health professional, student, or simply someone with a general interest in psychology, this course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to understand the theories of learning and their applications in the clinical setting.


So, let's get started!



RCPsych Expects

For MRCPSych Paper A

  1. Learning theory: classical, operant, observational, and cognitive models. 
  2. The concepts of extinction and reinforcement. 
  3. Learning processes and an etiological formulation of clinical problems, including the concepts of generalization, secondary reinforcement, incubation, and stimulus preparedness. 
  4. Escape and avoidance-learning. 
  5. Clinical applications in behavioral treatments: reciprocal inhibition, habituation, chaining, shaping, cueing. 
  6. The impact of various reinforcement schedules. 
  7. The psychology of punishment. 
  8. Optimal conditions for observational learning.  

Brief Answer Questions

Level-1 Test Your Memory

  1. What is classical conditioning and who described it?
  2. What are the schedules of reinforcement?

Level-2 Test Your Comprehension

After an incident of violence in the city, a TV channel contacted you to record your views on psychological causes of aggression. She asked about the effect of watching aggression on the viewer's behavior. 

How would you respond?

Level-3 Clinical Application 

What reinforcers can you use in clinical settings?

A mother of a 7-year-old boy came to your outpatient department. Her family physician sent her to you, to whom she reported that her boy shouts at the top of his voice whenever she does not meet his demand. Gradually his demands are increasing. She said that yesterday he woke up at 5 AM and started shouting and demanded that he want to eat pizza. To pacify him, she had to take him to a pizza outlet at the airport, as no outlet was open in the vicinity. The child on clinical examination was of above-average intelligence and was not suffering from any physical or mental disorder.

  1. How would you explain the worsening of his behavior?
  2. What measures will you suggest to her mother?

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Module 1: Introduction to Learning Theories

    • Learning Objectives

    • What is learning

    • Overview of Learning Theories
  • 2

    Module 2: Classical Conditioning

    • ​​​Learning Objectives

    • Introduction

    • Processes in Classical Conditioning

    • In Humans

    • Limitations and Criticisms
  • 3

    Module 3: Operant Conditioning

    • Learning Objectives

    • Introduction

    • Reinforcement

    • The role of reinforcement schedules in operant conditioning

    • Punishment

    • Clinical Applications
  • 4

    Module 4: Observational Learning

    • Observational Learning

    • Types of Models: Live, Symbolic Verbal

    • Processes in Observational Learning

    • Attention

    • Reproduction

    • Retention

    • Motivation

    • Vicarious Reinforcement

    • Clinical Applications

    • References
  • 5

    Module 5: Cognitive Models of Learning

    • Cognitive Learning

    • Insight Learning
  • 6

    Non-associative Learning

    • Introduction

    • Habituation
  • 7

    Module 9: Clinical Applications in Behavioural Treatments

    • Behavior Modification in Children

    • The Impact of Reinforcement Schedules

    • Gambling and the Brain

    • Cognition and Latent Learning

    • Practical Application

    • Drug Use and Advertising

    • Reciprocal Inhibition
  • 8

    Review

    • Critical review questions

Learning objectives

By the end of the course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the various theories of learning and how they can be applied to understand and treat clinical problems. They will also be able to critically analyze the impact of reinforcement and punishment on behavior, and understand the optimal conditions for effective observational learning.

  • To understand the key concepts and principles of classical, operant, observational, and cognitive models of learning.

  • To evaluate the impact of extinction and reinforcement on behavior change.

  • To examine the cognitive processes that influence behavior, including attention, perception, memory, and thinking.

  • To apply the principles of observational learning to understand how individuals learn through observing others.

  • To analyze the process of classical conditioning and its role in shaping behavior.

  • To evaluate the impact of different reinforcement schedules on behavior.

  • To understand the use of reciprocal inhibition, habituation, chaining, shaping, and cueing in behavioural treatments.

  • To demonstrate mastery of the course material through the application of learned concepts to real-life situations in a final project.

  • To evaluate the optimal conditions for effective observational learning, including motivation, attention, and memory.

  • To understand the psychology of punishment and its impact on behavior.

Icons & text

  • Comprehensive Understanding of Learning Theories

    This course offers a comprehensive overview of the various theories of learning, including classical, operant, observational, and cognitive models. By completing the course, candidates will have a deep understanding of how these theories can be used to understand and explain human behavior.

  • Hands-On Experience

    The course includes interactive activities, assignments, and quizzes that will give candidates hands-on experience in applying the concepts they have learned. This will help them develop a practical understanding of the material and reinforce their learning.

  • Career Advancement

    Understanding the theories of learning is an essential skill for professionals in the fields of psychology, education, and human resources. By completing this course, candidates will demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in this area, which can lead to career advancement and improved job opportunities. Additionally, the hands-on experience they gain through the course assignments and projects will be valuable in the workplace, where they can apply their knowledge to real-life situations.