Behaviourism Flashcards
Define Classical Conditioning:
A type of learning that happens unconsciously. When you learn through classical conditioning, an automatic conditioned response is paired with a specific stimulus, This creates a behaviour.
What is an unconditioned stimulus?
An unconditioned stimulus is one that unconditionally, naturally and automatically triggers a response. The response takes place without any prior learning e.g the smell of the food is the unconditioned stimulus.
What is a neutral stimulus?
Creates a response but one which is not desired. A neutral stimulus doesn’t trigger any particular response , but when used together with an unconditioned stimulus, it can effectively stimulate learning. E.g the sound of the bell when it is initially presented, the neutral stimulus has no effect on behaviour.
What is the conditioned response?
The learned response to the previously neutral stimulus. The previously neutral stimulus will then evoke the response all on its own. At this point, the response becomes known as the conditioned response.
What is the unconditioned response?
An unlearned response that occurs naturally in reaction to the unconditioned stimulus. For example, if the smell is the unconditioned stimulus, the feeling of hunger in response to the smell of food is the unconditioned response.
What did Skinner claim?
Skinner claimed that all behaviour is learnt as a result of consequences in our environment. This is operant conditioning.
What is a Skinner box?
A Skinner box is an animal chamber used in animal psychology to test a hypothesis. The Skinner box was a controlled environment. The sound proof walls meant that the rat and therefore the experiment was unaffected by outside influences or interactions.
What is reinforcement?
A consequence of behaviour that increases the likelihood of that behaviour being repeated.
What is a punishment?
A consequence of behaviour that decreases the likelihood of the behaviour being repeated. Can be positive (giving someone something as a punishment) or negative (taking something away as a punishment).
How did Skinner show negative reinforcement worked?
By placing a rat in his Skinner box and then subjecting it to an unpleasant electric current which caused it some discomfort. As the rat moved about the box it would accidentally knock the lever. Immediately it did so the electric current would be switched off. The rats quickly learned to go straight to the lever after a few times of being put in the box. The consequence of escaping the electric current ensured that they would repeat the action again and again.
Who founded Behaviourism?
J B Watson
When was Behaviourism founded?
1915
What did Behaviourism reject?
Behaviourism rejected the vagueness of introspection and how difficult it was to measure.
What did Behaviourism focus on?
Focused on how we are a product of our learning, experiences and environment.
What do we learn new behaviour through?
Operant and Classical conditioning
