Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
was real. All pilots that fly you safe around the world are trained
regularly in a flight simulator.
Operant conditioning can be effective while using a simulator.
Case 1
Operational conditioning needs consequences, things happening as a
result of behavior. Both an operator and mechanics learn after an inci-
dent (for example, what to do next time). This learning is strong,
although it can only become effective as a consequence of discovering
the cause of the incident.
Case 2
The feedback one receives from a driving instructor is a strong rein-
forcer. A car simulator, although hardly used, provides perfect feed-
back. The sound of the distance sensor while driving backward gives
perfect feedback about the actual position of the car.
3.1.3 Model Learning
The third learning principle is called model learning, learning from
each other. This principle is active at moments we don
tactour-
selves, but when we see others act. The other person becomes a
model and, due to a mirror system in our brain (we will discuss this
principle in depth in Chapter 10), we can integrate perceived behav-
ior into our system as if it were our own behavior. Model learning is
active on a nonconscious level and can work for all actions that we
are able to understand and/or that are already part of our behavioral
repertoire. So in model learning, we mirror the action of somebody
else as if it were our own action and learn from this action as if we
were performing it ourselves. We learn by observing, because we feel
what others feel and we think what others think. If, for example,
we see an accident happening, we can feel the pain a person has and
by feeling this, we create a link between a stimulus and danger
involved. Model learning is self-reinforcing because it is intrinsically
rewardingtobelongtothegroup.Peoplewhocopyeachother
'
s
behavior are experienced as more sympathetic and attractive as
group members.
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