1a. Learning Theory

Question 1

Define “classical conditioning”

Answer 1

Process…
Creates ASSOCIATION…
NATURALLY existing stimulus…
Previously NEUTRAL stimulus

Question 2

Name the 2 key studies that demonstrate classical conditioning

Answer 2

Pavlov's Dogs
Little Albert (Watson and Rayner)

Question 3

Recall the unconditioned and conditioned stimulus and unconditioned response in Pavlov’s Dogs

Answer 3

Unconditioned: food
Conditioned: bell
UCR: salivate

Question 4

Recall the unconditioned and conditioned stimulus and unconditioned response in the Little Albert Experiment

Answer 4

Unconditioned: Fluffy rat
Conditioned: loud noise
UCR: crying

Question 5

Define “unconditioned stimulus”

Answer 5

Elicits REFLEXIVE/ innate response…

UNCONDITIONED stimulus

Question 6

Define “conditioned stimulus”

Answer 6

Through ASSOCIATIONw with UCS…

Elicits CONDITIONED response = SIMILAR to UCS

Question 7

Define “unconditioned response”

Answer 7

REFLEXIVE/innate responce
Elicited by UCS
NO PRIOR LEARNING

Question 8

Define “conditioned response”

Answer 8

Response elicited by conditioned stimulus

Question 9

Define “stimulus generalisation”

Answer 9

Tendency
Respond to SIMILAR stimuli to CS
Elicits same but WEAKER CR

Question 10

Define “stimulus discrimination”

Answer 10

Ability to RESPOND DIFFERENTLY to different stimuli

Question 11

Define “extinction” with respect to learning theory

Answer 11

CS presented REPEATEDLY in ABSENCE of UCS…

CR weakens then disappears

Question 12

Recall the 3 ways by which observational learning occurs

Answer 12

Watching actions of another
Imitating actions of another
noting consequences of another

Question 13

Recall the 4 things required for successful observational learning

Answer 13

"A really productive method"
Attention
Retention
Production
Motivation

Question 14

Name the key study to recall for observational learning

Answer 14

Bobo Doll

Bandura 1961

Question 15

Describe the Bandura 1961 study

Answer 15

Children watched adults aggressively beat up bobo doll, they imitated

Question 16

Define “reinforcement”

Answer 16

Strengthening of response by the outcome that follows it

Question 17

Define “reinforcer”

Answer 17

Outcome that increases frequency of a response

Question 18

Differentiate between a primary and secondary reinforcer

Answer 18

Primary = like food, naturally satisfies needs
Secondary = stimulus that acquires reinforcing properties by association with PR

Question 19

Define “punishment” with respect to learning theory

Answer 19

Resopnse WEAKENING in response to outcome

Question 20

Define “punisher” with respect to learning theory

Answer 20

CONSEQUENCE that decreases frequency of response

Question 21

Recall Thornidike’s Law of Effect

Answer 21

Process
Behaviour LEARNED
MAINTAINED by CONSEQUENCES

Question 22

Differentiate between positive and negative reinforcement

Answer 22

Stimulus strengthened when stimulus is:…

• added (positive)
• taken away (negative)

Question 23

Recall the schedules for partial reinforcement

Answer 23

Fixed or variable

Interval or ratio

Question 24

Define “fixed interval schedule”

Answer 24

Reinforcement comes after fixed time interval

Question 25

Define “variable interval schedule”

Answer 25

Time interval to produce reinforcmentn varies around an AVERAGE

Question 26

Define “fixed ratio schedule”

Answer 26

Reinforement given after a fixed number of responses

Question 27

Define “variable ratio schedule”

Answer 27

reinforcement given after a variable number of responses

Question 28

Define “continuous reinforcement”

Answer 28

Every instance of behaviour is reinforced

Question 29

Compare partial and continuous reinforcement

Answer 29

Partial: learnt more slowly but also extinguished more slowly
Continuous: learned more rapidly but also extinguished more rapidly