1a. Learning Theory Flashcards
Define “classical conditioning”
Process…
Creates ASSOCIATION…
NATURALLY existing stimulus…
Previously NEUTRAL stimulus
Name the 2 key studies that demonstrate classical conditioning
Pavlov's Dogs Little Albert (Watson and Rayner)
Recall the unconditioned and conditioned stimulus and unconditioned response in Pavlov’s Dogs
Unconditioned: food
Conditioned: bell
UCR: salivate
Recall the unconditioned and conditioned stimulus and unconditioned response in the Little Albert Experiment
Unconditioned: Fluffy rat
Conditioned: loud noise
UCR: crying
Define “unconditioned stimulus”
Elicits REFLEXIVE/ innate response…
UNCONDITIONED stimulus
Define “conditioned stimulus”
Through ASSOCIATIONw with UCS…
Elicits CONDITIONED response = SIMILAR to UCS
Define “unconditioned response”
REFLEXIVE/innate responce
Elicited by UCS
NO PRIOR LEARNING
Define “conditioned response”
Response elicited by conditioned stimulus
Define “stimulus generalisation”
Tendency
Respond to SIMILAR stimuli to CS
Elicits same but WEAKER CR
Define “stimulus discrimination”
Ability to RESPOND DIFFERENTLY to different stimuli
Define “extinction” with respect to learning theory
CS presented REPEATEDLY in ABSENCE of UCS…
CR weakens then disappears
Recall the 3 ways by which observational learning occurs
Watching actions of another
Imitating actions of another
noting consequences of another
Recall the 4 things required for successful observational learning
"A really productive method" Attention Retention Production Motivation
Name the key study to recall for observational learning
Bobo Doll
Bandura 1961
Describe the Bandura 1961 study
Children watched adults aggressively beat up bobo doll, they imitated
Define “reinforcement”
Strengthening of response by the outcome that follows it
Define “reinforcer”
Outcome that increases frequency of a response
Differentiate between a primary and secondary reinforcer
Primary = like food, naturally satisfies needs Secondary = stimulus that acquires reinforcing properties by association with PR
Define “punishment” with respect to learning theory
Resopnse WEAKENING in response to outcome
Define “punisher” with respect to learning theory
CONSEQUENCE that decreases frequency of response
Recall Thornidike’s Law of Effect
Process
Behaviour LEARNED
MAINTAINED by CONSEQUENCES
Differentiate between positive and negative reinforcement
Stimulus strengthened when stimulus is:…
- added (positive)
- taken away (negative)
Recall the schedules for partial reinforcement
Fixed or variable
Interval or ratio
Define “fixed interval schedule”
Reinforcement comes after fixed time interval
Define “variable interval schedule”
Time interval to produce reinforcmentn varies around an AVERAGE
Define “fixed ratio schedule”
Reinforement given after a fixed number of responses
Define “variable ratio schedule”
reinforcement given after a variable number of responses
Define “continuous reinforcement”
Every instance of behaviour is reinforced
Compare partial and continuous reinforcement
Partial: learnt more slowly but also extinguished more slowly
Continuous: learned more rapidly but also extinguished more rapidly
