Learning is formally defined as a change in behavior that results from repeated practice or experience.
This change can be in knowledge, skills, or attitudes and is expected to be relatively permanent.
The question directly asks for the term that describes a 'change in behavior resulting from practice,' which is the textbook definition of learning.
Why Other Options Were Wrong
Option A: Teaching is the act of imparting knowledge or skills. It is the process that facilitates learning in others, not the internal change in behavior that occurs within the learner.
Option C: Sublimation is a specific psychoanalytic defense mechanism where unacceptable urges are channeled into productive and socially acceptable activities. It is not a general term for behavioral change from practice.
Option D: Anxiety is an emotional and physiological state of worry and nervousness. While it can significantly impact a person's ability to learn and perform, it is not the learning process itself.
Related Visual
Visual 1: Flowchart - A simple diagram showing: Practice/Experience → Learning (Cognitive & Behavioral Change) → New/Modified Behavior. This visualizes the direct relationship described in the question.
Clinical Relevance
Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Definition of Learning in Psychology as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the principles of learning is crucial for patient education. Nurses must create teaching plans that involve practice and reinforcement to ensure patients learn how to manage their health conditions (e.g., self-administering insulin, performing wound care).
Learning theory also applies to a nurse's own professional development. Acquiring new clinical skills requires deliberate practice, feedback, and repetition to achieve competency and ensure patient safety.
What if? If a patient shows no change in behavior after a teaching session, the nurse should not assume the patient is non-compliant. Instead, the nurse should reassess the teaching method, identify potential barriers to learning (like anxiety or low health literacy), and adapt the approach.
How to Approach the Question
First, analyze the keywords in the question: 'change in behavior' and 'resulting from practice'.
This is a definition-based (recall) question. The goal is to find the term that matches this specific definition.
Evaluate each option against the definition.
Option A, 'Teaching', is the act of giving instruction, not receiving it.
Option B, 'Learning', is defined as acquiring knowledge or skills through experience or practice, leading to a change in behavior. This is a direct match.
Options C ('Sublimation') and D ('Anxiety') are psychological terms related to defense mechanisms and emotions, respectively, not the general process of acquiring skills through practice.
Concept Tested & Keywords
Concept Tested: Definition of Learning in Psychology
Stem keywords: Change in behavior, practice
Lead-in keywords: BEST, MOST RELEVANT CLUE
Question ID
Q-zMM8zm8kSeoL1oOhZB4z
Practise the full AIIMS Nagpur NO - 2018
Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.