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Learning Theory and Concepts

Learning Curve

Foundational and Developmental Learning Concepts

A learning curve is a graphical representation of the relationship between how proficient people are at a task and the amount of experience they have with it. Proficiency, measured on the vertical axis, usually increases with experience, measured on the horizontal axis, meaning that the more a person, group, company or industry performs a task, the better their performance at that task tends to become.

Facts
Core Claim
A learning curve is a graphical representation of the relationship between how proficient people are at a task and the amount of experience they have. 1
Origin Year
1885 1
Marks Hermann Ebbinghaus first description of the learning curve, in 1885; the name learning curve itself entered use later, in 1903, per Bryan and Harter telegraphy study cited in the same article.
Connections

Associated With

The learning curve article own Models section names a Plateau model, where learning ceases after cost reaches a sufficiently low level, connecting directly to the Plateau Effect entity.

Source Learning Curve (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Learning Curve (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia Foundation
  • History section, opening paragraph
    Hermann Ebbinghaus first described the learning curve in 1885 in the field of the psychology of learning, although the name did not come into use until 1903.
  • Lead section, first sentence
    A learning curve is a graphical representation of the relationship between how proficient people are at a task and the amount of experience they have.
  • Associated With: Plateau Effect, In economics section, Models subsection, Plateau model
    In other words, the learning ceases after cost reaches a sufficiently low level.
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