NCERT Class 11 Psychology Introduction to Psychology: Chapter 5 — Learning

Reviewed by · Reviewed on · Last updated 10 Aug 2026 · Reading time 4 minutes

NCERT CBSE Class 11 Psychology Introduction to Psychology Chapter 5 English PDF

This chapter from NCERT's Introduction to Psychology, Class 11, focuses on the psychological process of learning. It begins by defining learning as any relatively permanent change in behaviour or behavioural potential produced by experience. The chapter outlines the nature of learning, emphasizing that it involves relatively permanent changes resulting from practice and experience, distinguishing it from temporary changes due to fatigue or drugs. It introduces various paradigms of learning, including classical conditioning and operant conditioning, along with their determinants. Key learning processes like learned helplessness and observational learning are discussed. The text also covers cognitive learning, verbal learning, and skill learning, exploring factors that facilitate learning and introducing learning disabilities. Understanding these aspects helps students grasp how individuals adapt, acquire skills, and manage life's challenges through learning, crucial for CBSE curriculum.

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Quick info

BoardCBSE / NCERT
ClassClass 11
SubjectPsychology
BookIntroduction to Psychology
ChapterChapter 5 — Learning
LanguageEnglish
PDF typeNCERT Textbook
SessionCBSE 2026
Reading time4 minutes
Word count631

Learning outcomes

Vocabulary

WordMeaning
Behavioural potentialThe capacity to behave in a certain way.
StimuliEnvironmental events that elicit a response.
ReflexivelyIn an automatic, involuntary manner.
ParadigmA model or pattern.
Classical ConditioningA type of learning where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus.
Operant ConditioningA type of learning where behaviour is controlled by consequences (reinforcement or punishment).
Learned HelplessnessA state where an individual feels unable to influence events, leading to passivity.
Observational LearningLearning by watching and imitating others.
Cognitive LearningLearning that involves mental processes like thinking and problem-solving.
Skill LearningAcquiring the ability to perform a specific task.
DeterminantsFactors that influence or cause something.
Learning DisabilitiesNeurological disorders that affect a person's ability to learn.

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Practice questions

  1. Define learning as a psychological process. Answer: Learning is defined as any relatively permanent change in behaviour or behavioural potential produced by experience.
  2. What distinguishes learning from temporary behavioural changes? Answer: Learning involves relatively permanent changes due to practice and experience, unlike temporary changes caused by drugs or fatigue.
  3. Name two major paradigms of learning discussed in the chapter. Answer: The two major paradigms are Classical Conditioning and Operant Conditioning.
  4. What is observational learning? Answer: Observational learning is acquiring knowledge and skills by watching and imitating others.
  5. Give an example of a determinant of learning. Answer: Factors like motivation, practice, and the nature of the material being learned are determinants of learning.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which of the following is a key characteristic of learning?

Q2. Classical conditioning is a paradigm of learning that involves:

Q3. Operant conditioning is primarily based on:

Q4. Learned helplessness is a phenomenon related to:

Q5. Which type of learning involves mental processes like thinking and problem-solving?

Frequently asked questions

What is the definition of learning according to the NCERT textbook?

Learning is defined as any relatively permanent change in behaviour or behavioural potential produced by experience.

What is the difference between learning and temporary behavioural changes?

Learning involves relatively permanent changes resulting from practice and experience, whereas temporary changes due to fatigue or drugs are not considered learning.

What are the main paradigms of learning discussed?

The main paradigms discussed are Classical Conditioning and Operant/Instrumental Conditioning.

What is observational learning?

Observational learning is a process where individuals learn by watching and imitating the behaviour of others.

What does 'determinants of learning' refer to?

Determinants of learning are the various factors that influence the speed and extent to which learning occurs.

Does the chapter cover learning disabilities?

Yes, the chapter includes a section on learning disabilities, discussing factors that can hinder learning.

Related resources

Important topics

Nature of Learning Classical Conditioning Operant Conditioning Observational Learning Cognitive Learning Factors Facilitating Learning Learning Disabilities

Topics covered

Introduction to Learning Nature of Learning Paradigms of Learning Classical Conditioning Determinants of Classical Conditioning Operant/Instrumental Conditioning Determinants of Operant Conditioning Differences between Classical and Operant Conditioning Key Learning Processes Learned Helplessness Observational Learning Cognitive Learning Verbal Learning Skill Learning Factors Facilitating Learning Learning Disabilities

NCERT Class 11 Psychology — Introduction to Psychology — Chapter 5 — Learning. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.