Understanding Gagne's Learning Hierarchy

Robert Gagne proposed a hierarchy of learning types, suggesting that simpler forms of learning must be acquired before more complex ones can be mastered. This hierarchy is crucial for instructional design.

Ordering the Learning Types

The question asks to arrange five specific learning types proposed by Gagne in hierarchical order, from lowest to highest level:

• A. S-R learning (Stimulus-Response Learning): This is a basic form of learning where a specific response is associated with a particular stimulus.
• B. Chain learning: Involves linking together two or more S-R connections sequentially.
• C. Verbal association: Similar to chaining, but specifically involves verbal stimuli and responses.
• E. Multiple discrimination: Learning to distinguish between similar stimuli, requiring learners to respond differently to different signals.
• D. Learning of concepts: Involves classifying stimuli into groups or categories based on common properties. This is a higher-level cognitive skill than discrimination.

Hierarchical Arrangement

Based on Gagne's model, the hierarchical order from lower to higher level is:

1. S-R learning (A)
2. Chain learning (B)
3. Verbal association (C)
4. Multiple discrimination (E)
5. Learning of concepts (D)

Therefore, the correct sequence is A, B, C, E, D.

Selecting the Correct Option

Comparing this sequence with the given options:

• Option 1: B, A, C, D, E
• Option 2: C, A, B, D, E
• Option 3: A, B, C, E, D
• Option 4: A, C, B, D, E

The sequence A, B, C, E, D matches Option 3.