Understanding the Concept of Learning

The question asks us to identify which statement is false regarding the concept of learning. Learning is a fundamental process in psychology and education, involving acquiring new knowledge, skills, attitudes, or values.

Analyzing Statements About Learning

Let's examine each statement presented in the options to see if it aligns with the widely accepted definition and characteristics of learning.

Statement 1: Learning is the change in behaviour.

• One of the most common ways to observe and define learning is through changes in behavior. When an individual learns something new, it often results in them behaving or responding differently in certain situations. This change in behavior can be overt (something you can see) or covert (like a change in thought or feeling). So, a change in behavior is indeed a key aspect of learning.

Statement 2: The change in behavior occurs as a function of practice or experience.

• This statement is crucial for distinguishing learning from other potential causes of behavior change. Changes in behavior can occur due to various factors like maturation (growing older), illness, fatigue, or injury. However, learning specifically refers to changes that happen because of interacting with the environment, through practice, training, observation, or direct experience. This is a core characteristic of how learning takes place.

Statement 3: There is a relatively permanent change in behavior in learning.

• Another important characteristic of learning is that the change in behavior or potential for behavior should be relatively long-lasting, or permanent. This doesn't mean the change can never be reversed or forgotten, but it implies that it's not just a temporary fluctuation like a mood swing or momentary fatigue. A learned skill or piece of knowledge should persist over time without continuous effort or presence of the original stimulus. Therefore, a relatively permanent change in behavior is considered a hallmark of learning.

Conclusion on Learning Characteristics

Based on the analysis of the three statements:

• Statement 1 says learning involves a change in behavior. This is true.
• Statement 2 says this change comes from practice or experience. This is true and differentiates learning.
• Statement 3 says the change is relatively permanent. This is true and describes the lasting nature of learning.

All three statements describe essential characteristics of the process of learning. Since the question asks which statement is false, and all three statements appear to be true in the context of defining learning, none of them individually is false.