learned behaviour

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learned behaviour

psychology

Also known as: experience-dependent behaviour

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June 30, 2026

Quick Summary

Learned behavior in psychology refers to changes in an organism's actions as a result of experience. This is distinct from innate or instinctual behaviors.1

Two primary types of learned behavior are:

Operant Conditioning: This involves learning through consequences. Behaviors that are rewarded are more likely to be repeated, while those that lead to punishment are avoided. This type of learning involves voluntary actions, such as a dog learning to sit for a treat.23
Classical Conditioning: This occurs when a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a stimulus that naturally elicits a response. Over time, the neutral stimulus alone can trigger the response. A classic example is Pavlov's dogs, which learned to salivate at the sound of a bell after it was repeatedly paired with food.453

Another related concept is observational learning, where individuals learn by watching and imitating others. This can include learning new skills or behaviors by observing models, whether in real life or through media.6

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learning theory
Contemporary trends in learning theory
…early 1930s the distinction between learned and inherited behaviour seemed clearer than it does now. The view that any bit of behaviour either was learned or simply developed without learning seemed straightforward. Studies based on these expectations led investigators to conclude that rat-killing behaviour among cats is learned rather than…
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…early 1930s the distinction between learned and inherited behaviour seemed clearer than it does now. The view that any bit of behaviour either was learned or simply developed without learning seemed straightforward. Studies based on these expectations led investigators to conclude that rat-killing behaviour among cats is learned rather than…
Read More

drug use
The functions of psychotropic drugs
…and abuse appear to be learned behaviors. Research has shown, for example, that children whose parents used marijuana have a significantly increased likelihood of abusing alcohol and other substances as teens or young adults. An individual may also have a peer or peers who serve as role models of drug…
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…and abuse appear to be learned behaviors. Research has shown, for example, that children whose parents used marijuana have a significantly increased likelihood of abusing alcohol and other substances as teens or young adults. An individual may also have a peer or peers who serve as role models of drug…
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Curt Paul Richter
…can be strongly influenced by learned behavior.
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…can be strongly influenced by learned behavior.
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motivation
Innate versus acquired processes
…(genetically programmed) versus acquired (learned). Since the 1890s this debate has swung from one extreme to the other and then back toward the middle. Early approaches viewed motivation as largely or entirely instinctive. When the instinctive approach fell into disfavour during the 1920s, the idea that all behaviours were…
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…(genetically programmed) versus acquired (learned). Since the 1890s this debate has swung from one extreme to the other and then back toward the middle. Early approaches viewed motivation as largely or entirely instinctive. When the instinctive approach fell into disfavour during the 1920s, the idea that all behaviours were…
Read More

animal behaviour
Instinctive learning
…old dichotomy between innate and learned behaviour is the fact that in most cases animals are genetically predisposed to acquire only specific information in developing their behaviour. One might say that most of the learning performed by animals is instinctive learning. This phenomenon is conspicuous in the flower-learning behaviour of…
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…old dichotomy between innate and learned behaviour is the fact that in most cases animals are genetically predisposed to acquire only specific information in developing their behaviour. One might say that most of the learning performed by animals is instinctive learning. This phenomenon is conspicuous in the flower-learning behaviour of…
Read More