AP Chapter 7

Question 1

Learning

Answer 1

The process of acquiring new and relatively enduring information or behaviors.

Question 2

Associative Learning

Answer 2

Learning that certain events occur together. The events may be two stimuli (as in classical conditioning) or a response and its consequences (Operant conditioning).

Question 3

Stimulus

Answer 3

Any event or situation that evokes a response.

Question 4

Cognitive Learning

Answer 4

The acquisition of mental information, whether by observing events, by watching other, or through language.

Question 5

Classical Conditioning

Answer 5

A type of learning in which one learns to link two or more stimuli and anticipate events.

Question 6

Behaviorism

Answer 6

The view that psychology (1) should be an objective science that (2) studies behavior without reference to mental processes. Most research psychologists today agree with (1) but not with (2).

Question 7

Neutral Stimulus (NS)

Answer 7

In classical conditioning, a stimulus that elicits no response before conditioning.

Question 8

Unconditioned Response (UR)

Answer 8

In classical conditioning, an unlearned, naturally occurring response to an unconditioned stimulus (Ex. Salivation in response to food in the mouth).

Question 9

Unconditioned Stimulus (US)

Answer 9

In classical conditioning, a stimulus that unconditionally - naturally or automatic - triggers a response (UR).

Question 10

Conditioned Response (CR)

Answer 10

In classical conditioning, a learned response to a previously neutral (but now conditioned) stimulus (CS).

Question 11

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

Answer 11

In classical conditioning, an originally irrelevant stimulus that, after association with an unconditioned stimulus(US), comes to trigger a conditioned response (CS).

Question 12

Acquisition

Answer 12

In classical conditioning, the initial stage, when one links a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus so that the neutral stimulus begins to trigger the conditioned response. In operant conditioning, the strengthening of of a reinforced response.

Question 13

Higher-order Conditioning

Answer 13

A procedure in which the conditioned stimulus in one conditioning experience is paired with a second (often weaker) conditioned stimulus. (Ex: Animal learns tone predicts food, and then light predicts tone, starts to respond to light alone) (also called “Second order conditioning).

Question 14

Extiniction

Answer 14

The diminishing of a conditioned response; occurs when an US does not follow a CS; occurs in operant conditioning when a response is not longer reinforced.

Question 15

Spontaneous Recovery

Answer 15

The reappearance, after a pause, of an extinguished response.

Question 16

Generalization

Answer 16

The tenancy, once a response has been conditioned, for stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus to elicit similar responses.

Question 17

Discrimination

Answer 17

In classical conditioning, the learned ability to distinguish between a conditioned stimulus and stimuli that do not signal an unconditioned stimulus.

Question 18

Operant Conditioning

Answer 18

A type of learning in which behavior is strengthened if followed by a reinforce or diminished if followed by a punisher.

Question 19

Law of Effect

Answer 19

Thorndike’s principle that behaviors followed by favorable consequences become more likely, and behaviors followed by unfavorable consequences become less likely.

Question 20

Operant Chamber

Answer 20

In operant conditioning research, a chamber (Skinner’s Box) containing a bar or key that an animal can manipulate to obtain a food or water reinforcer; attached devices record the animal’s rate of pressing or key pecking.

Question 21

Reinforcement

Answer 21

In operant conditioning, any event that strengthens the behavior it follows.

Question 22

Shaping

Answer 22

An operant conditioning procedure in which reinforcers guide behavior toward closer and closer approximations of the desired behavior.

Question 23

Positive Reinforcement

Answer 23

Increasing behaviors by presenting positive reinforcers. A positive reinforcer is any stimulus that when presented after a response, strengthens that response.

Question 24

Negative Reinforcement

Answer 24

Increasing behavior by stopping or reducing negative stimuli. A negative reinforcer is an stimulus that is, when removed after a response, strengthens the response. (Negative reinforcement is not punishment).

Question 25

Primary Reinforcer

Answer 25

An innately reinforcing stimulus, such as one that satisfies a biological need.

Question 26

Conditioned Reinforcer

Answer 26

A stimulus that gains its reinforcing power through its association with a primary reinforcer; also know as “Secondary Reinforcer”.

Question 27

Reinforcement Schedule

Answer 27

A pattern that defines how often a desired response will be reinforced.

Question 28

Continuous Reinforcement

Answer 28

Reinforcing the desired response every time it occurs.

Question 29

Partial (Intermittent) Reinforcement

Answer 29

Reinforcing a response only part of the time; results in slower acquisition of a response but much greater resistance to extinction than the continuous reinforcement.

Question 30

Fixed-ratio Schedule

Answer 30

In operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response only after a specified number of response.

Question 31

Variable-ratio Schedule

Answer 31

In operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response after an unpredictable number of responses.

Question 32

Fixed-interval Schedule

Answer 32

In operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response only after a specified time has elapsed.

Question 33

Variable-interval Schedule

Answer 33

In operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response at unpredictable time intervals.

Question 34

Punishment

Answer 34

An event that tends to decrease the behavior that it follows.

Question 35

Respondent Behavior

Answer 35

Behavior that occurs as an automatic response to some stimulus.

Question 36

Operant Behavior

Answer 36

Behavior that operates on the environment, producing consequences.

Question 37

Cognitive Map

Answer 37

A mental representation of the layout of one’s environment. (Ex. After exploring a maze, rats act as if they have learned a cognitive map of it).

Question 38

Latent Learning

Answer 38

Learning that occurs but is not apparent until there is an incentive to demonstrate it.

Question 39

Intrinsic Motivation

Answer 39

A desire to perform a behavior effectively for its own sake.

Question 40

Extrinsic Motivation

Answer 40

A desire to perform a behavior to receive promised rewards or avoid threatened punishments.

Question 41

Observational Learning

Answer 41

Learning by observing others.

Question 42

Modelling

Answer 42

The process of observing and imitating a specific behavior.

Question 43

Mirror Neurons

Answer 43

Frontal lobe neurons that some scientists believe fire when performing certain actions or when observing another doing so. The brain’s mirroring of another’s action may enable imitation and empathy.

Question 44

Prosocial Behavior

Answer 44

Positive, constructive, helpful behavior. The opposite of antisocial behavior.