AP Psychology Practice Test

What is learning defined as?

1. The ability to solve problems

2. A relatively permanent change in an organism's behavior due to experience

3. The process of acquiring new knowledge

4. The outcome of maturation and growth

The correct answer is: A relatively permanent change in an organism's behavior due to experience

Learning is defined as a relatively permanent change in an organism's behavior due to experience. This definition emphasizes the long-lasting effect of learning on behavior, distinguishing it from temporary changes that may occur due to fatigue or other short-term factors. The idea that learning stems from experience highlights the importance of environmental interactions in shaping behavior. This definition includes an essential aspect of psychology, which is that behavior can be altered through experiences, such as conditioning or learning from consequences. This aligns with behavioral theories that stress the observable changes in behavior as central to understanding learning processes. The other options, while related to learning or aspects of cognitive development, do not capture its essence as effectively. The ability to solve problems and the process of acquiring new knowledge are components of learning but do not encompass the broader, lasting change that occurs as a result of experience. Additionally, maturation and growth refer more to biological changes rather than learned behavior, making them distinct from the learning process itself.