Which of the following best supports the argument that “learning is a…

2016

Which of the following best supports the argument that “learning is a continuous process”?

  1. A.

    Learning evolves from the interaction of heredity and environment.

  2. B.

    Learning involves establishing associations between stimuli and responses.

  3. C.

    Learning is a process of progressive modification of behavior.

  4. D.

    Learning occurs as a result of responses to external stimuli.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Concept: Continuity is one of the basic principles of learning — learning is not a single, isolated event but an ongoing process in which behavior changes gradually and cumulatively as a person gains experience and practice over time.

Among the four statements, only "Learning is a process of progressive modification of behavior" directly asserts this gradual, cumulative change — the word "progressive" describes an ongoing sequence of small changes building on one another, which is exactly what "continuous process" means.

  • "Learning evolves from the interaction of heredity and environment" describes what shapes learning (nature and nurture) but says nothing about learning happening gradually over time — it explains an influence, not the continuity of the process itself.

  • "Learning involves establishing associations between stimuli and responses" describes how a single learning event occurs (a mechanism), not that learning keeps unfolding progressively over time.

  • "Learning occurs as a result of responses to external stimuli" describes a trigger for learning, not its ongoing, cumulative character.

Because it is the only statement that speaks to gradual, cumulative change over time, "Learning is a process of progressive modification of behavior" is the statement that best supports the argument that learning is a continuous process.

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