Associative learning

Question 1

Pavlolv -

Classical conditioning

Answer 1

A conditioned stimulus, (in this case the bell) must be paired with an unconditioned stimulus (food) in order to generate a conditioned response (saliva). This is called reinforcement (conditioning)

Question 2

Latent Inhibition

Answer 2

Familiar stimuli take longer to acquire meaning (as a Conditioned Stimulus) than new stimuli. Past learning experience changes ability to acquire new associations

Question 3

Concept of Preparedness

Answer 3

Some associations can be biologically advantaged
Garcia & Koelling - People may have taste aversions
Phobias - demonstrated in chemotherapy

Question 4

Skinner –

Operant Conditioning

Answer 4

Action leads to Reinforcement,
Eg. Button press => Food
Basic principle of law of effect, behaviours that are followed by good things happen more often

Question 5

Types of Reinforcers

Answer 5

Primary – e.g. food (inherently reinforcing)
Secondary – conditioned, becomes reinforcing (eg money)
Social - consequences of behaviour (smiling, nodding, verbal praise and attention)

Question 6

Chaining

Answer 6

Breaking action into component parts, each action being positively reinforced by cuing next stage in process.

Question 7

Reinforcement that increase responses =

Answer 7

Positive reinforcement – Reward with Positive stimulus

Negative reinforcement - Avoidance of aversive event (shock)

Question 8

Reinforcement that decrease responses

Answer 8

Positive punishment – adverse stimulant added (smacking)

Negative punishment – pleasant stimulus removed (time out)

Extinction – the prolonged absence of reinforcement or UCS