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”?
- A.
Learning evolves from the interaction of heredity and environment.
- B.
Learning involves establishing associations between stimuli and responses.
- C.
Learning is a process of progressive modification of behavior.
- 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.