Visser (2003) examines the origin of the terms “double bind” and “deutero-learning.” He sees it as coming from Bateson’s work on behaviour and learning. Key terms in the article include: proto-learnng and deutero-learning. Visser also distinguishes between 4 types of learning as follows: zero learning; proto-learning; deutero-learning; trito-learning. It is interesting that Visser (2003) shows how Bateson’s work grew out of a study and analysis of behaviour while Tognetti (1999) illustrates how those ideas are applicable in different contexts, including the study of the research process. That means even meaning and interpretation can change – e.g. double bind and deutero-learning are explained differently in the Visser (2003) and Tognetti (1999) articles.
"Simple learning was denoted as “proto-learning,” the adaptation of behavior in response to contingencies of reinforcement. Gestalt learning was defined as deutero-learning, the changes in proto-learning as a result of “insight” in the structure (or class) of the situation in which proto-learning takes place." (Visser, 2003, p. 272).