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 ClaimA 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 YearMarks 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. FAQs
Does a steep learning curve mean something is hard to learn?
Strictly a steep curve means fast learning; in common speech it means hard.
Technically, no. Steepness describes how fast learning happens, so a steeper curve should mean that learning goes faster and is therefore easier. In everyday speech, though, a steep learning curve is taken to mean a difficult task, not necessarily a rapid rate of improvement, and the phrase has become an idiomatic way to say that something is difficult to learn.
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)
Developed By
Source Wikipedia: Hermann Ebbinghaus
Sources
1. Learning Curve (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationHistory 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.
Lead paragraph, education-level
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.
View the Source Wikipedia: Hermann Ebbinghaus
Wikimedia FoundationDeveloped By: Hermann Ebbinghaus, LeadQuote, Developed By: Hermann Ebbinghaus, Lead
He was the first person to describe the learning curve.
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