3.2.1 (4A+B) - behaviourist approaches to learning Flashcards
Learning
The process of acquiring knowledge, skills, or behaviours through experience.
Behaviourist approaches to learning
Theories that propose learning occurs through interacting with the external environment.
Classical conditioning
The process of learning through an involuntary association between a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus that results in a conditioned response.
Before conditioning
NS has no associations, therefore doesn’t produce any significant response.
During conditioning
NS is repeatedly paired with the UCS to produce the UCR.
After conditioning
NS becomes the CS, producing a CR.
Factors that influence classical conditioning
Nature of response (automatic/involuntary).
Association of stimulus (must associate 2 different stimuli)
Timing of NS + UCS pairing (NS must be approx 0.5 sec before UCS).
Operant conditioning
A 3-phase process that involves an antecedent, behaviour, and consequence whereby the consequence of a behaviour determines the likelihood hood that it will reoccur.
Antecedent
Stimulus or even that precedes and often elicits a particular behaviour.
Behaviour
The voluntary actions that occur in response to the antecedent.
Consequence
Outcome of the behaviour (punishment or reinforcement) which determines the likelihood that it will happen again.
Reinforcer
Any stimulus that strengthens/increases the likelihood of behaviour reocurring.
Positive reinforcement
Addition of a desirable stimulus that increases the likelihood of the behaviour reoccurring. (eg. star on chart).
Negative reinforcement
Removal/prevention of an undesirable stimulus that increases the likelihood of the behaviour reoccurring. (eg. headache tablet).
Positive punishment
Addition of an undesirable stimulus that decreases the likelihood of a behaviour reoccurring (eg. speeding=fine).
