How Does Insight Learning Differ From Trial and Error Learning?
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How Does Insight Learning Differ From Trial and Error Learning?
According to Thorndike’s trial and error theory, using the approach of starting with easier tasks, then proceeding to the difficult side benefits children (Gautum, 2018). The theory lays more emphasis on motivation. In that, students have to be properly motivated inside and outside the classroom. The effects of positive motivation and negative motivation are significant in the learning process. Practicing is the main component of the trial and error method. More practice reduces the mistakes committed by the child while he is learning. Repetition forms habits (Gautum, 2018). The theory helps in modifying bad habits and reinforcing good habits. Sometimes, children learn how to do certain activities like sitting or standing through trial and error. The theory has been proved to change the behavior of delinquent children.
Insight learning is the abrupt realization of the solution to a problem without repeated trials or continuous practice (Shrestha, 2019). It occurs when people identify relationships between the cause and effect of a certain action. The awareness of this relationship arises after gathering the relevant information and evaluating the possible outcomes. Insight learning is immediate and clear.
In Thorndike’s experiment, the cat in the puzzle box learns to respond to a stimulus (Saurab, 2011). Then it is rewarded. Learning through the trial-and-error technique depends on the stimulus-response connection. In Kohler’s research, the chimpanzee learns to understand the relationship between different elements of the stimulus situation (Saurab, 2011). Identifying the relationship between one stimulus and others forms the foundation of insight learning. Insight learning relies on stimulus-stimulus relations.
The trial-and-error mode of learning occurs gradually. The cat in Thorndike’s puzzle box makes several attempts and learns systematically how to achieve the correct response (Saurab, 2011). Insight learning happens suddenly. The creature transits from the point of not having a solution to having a solution very fast (Saurab, 2011). The cat selectively responds to only certain stimuli while pulling the string in the puzzle box. It does not have to go through the whole stimulus region. However, insight learning entails the perception of the entire context, as the creature has to evaluate the relationship between different stimuli.
In trial-and-error learning, the type of response is molecular, while insightful learning is molar. Continuous practice and repetition are significant in trial-and-error learning, whereas the solution is crucial in insight learning. Obviously, some trial-and-error happens before insight occurs (Saurab, 2011). However, the trial-and-error type of learning does not entail insight. The basic physical and motor skills are attained through trial-and-error, while higher-order skills like cognitive and verbal learning are acquired through insight learning.
The two learning strategies vary in terms of the role of the organism in the learning context. Animals lower in the genetic scope learn through trial and error. They play a mechanical and passive role in the learning situation. The creature’s trial-and-error technique involves a sequence of random activities until it finds a solution (Saurab, 2011). In contrast, creatures in insight learning observe and analyze different elements of the problem; thus, it plays an active role in learning. Higher-order animals are such as chimpanzees and human beings.
The differences between trial-and-error and insight learning are elaborate. The former relies on continuous practice and fades away when the creature discontinues practice. On the other hand, a skill learned through insight learning sticks for a long time. Finally, the skills acquired in trial-and-error are not easily transferable from one situation to another, while insight learning can be easily transferred from one situation to similar situations.
REFERENCES
Gautum, S. (2018, March 31). Thorndike’s Trial and Error Theory: Learning: Psychology. Retrieved October 15, 2020, from https://www.psychologydiscussion.net/learning/learning-theory/thorndikes-trial-and-error-theory-learning-psychology/13469
Saurab. (2011, February 07). What is the difference between Trial-and-Error and Insightful Learning? Retrieved October 15, 2020, from https://www.preservearticles.com/psychology/difference-between-trial-and-error-and-insightful-learning/2308
Shrestha, P. (2019, June 16). Insight Learning. Retrieved October 15, 2020, from https://www.psychestudy.com/behavioral/learning-memory/insight-learning