Unconscious Learning: Definition, History, and Characteristics
Unconscious learning is the process of acquiring knowledge without being consciously aware of doing so. It is a form of learning that happens outside of conscious awareness, and typically happens through repetition and exposure. Unconscious learning is thought to provide a foundation for conscious learning, and has been the subject of research for centuries. This article will discuss the definition, history, and characteristics of unconscious learning, and provide some references for further reading.
Definition
Unconscious learning, as defined by psychologists, is the process of acquiring knowledge without being consciously aware of doing so. It is a form of learning that happens outside of conscious awareness, and typically happens through repetition and exposure. It is also known as implicit learning or implicit memory, and is thought to occur without the need for conscious processing or deliberate effort.
History
The concept of unconscious learning has been studied since the 1800s. In the early 1900s, psychologists Edward Thorndike and Robert Yerkes developed the Law of Effect, which states that behavior that is followed by a desirable consequence is likely to be repeated, while behavior that is followed by an undesirable consequence is less likely to be repeated. This law has been used to explain how unconscious learning occurs.
In the 1950s, cognitive psychologist George Miller proposed the information processing model, which suggests that information is processed in stages, from sensory input to short-term memory to long-term memory. This model has been used to explain how unconscious learning occurs.
In the 1970s, cognitive psychologists John Anderson and Stephen Kosslyn proposed the ACT-R (Adaptive Control of Thought) theory, which explains how knowledge is acquired and retained in memory. This theory has been used to explain how unconscious learning occurs.
Characteristics
Unconscious learning is characterized by a few key characteristics. First, it occurs outside of conscious awareness. Second, it is usually acquired through repetition and exposure, and does not require conscious processing or deliberate effort. Third, it often occurs quickly and without conscious effort, and can be acquired without the person being aware that learning is taking place. Fourth, it is thought to provide a foundation for conscious learning.
Conclusion
Unconscious learning is the process of acquiring knowledge without being consciously aware of doing so. It is a form of learning that happens outside of conscious awareness, and typically happens through repetition and exposure. It has been studied for centuries, and is characterized by a few key characteristics. Unconscious learning is thought to provide a foundation for conscious learning.
References
Anderson, J. R., & Kosslyn, S. M. (1975). Imagery and verbal processes. New York: W.H. Freeman.
Miller, G. A. (1956). The magical number seven, plus or minus two: Some limits on our capacity for processing information. Psychological Review, 63, 81–97.
Thorndike, E. L., & Yerkes, R. M. (1909). The relation of strength of stimulus to rapidity of habit-formation. Journal of Comparative and Neurological Psychology, 18, 459–482.