Ch. 2: Learning & Conditioning Flashcards
Define Classical (Pavlovian) conditioning.
The procedure in which an initially neutral stimuli is paired with an unconditioned stimuli where the neutral stimuli becomes a conditioned stimuli that begins to elicit a conditioned response.
Describe the process of classical conditioning.
A subject is presented with an unconditioned stimulus paired with a conditioned stimulus to produce an unconditioned response that the subject will learn to associate with the conditioned stimulus, which will begin to elicit a new, conditioned response.
Define operant conditioning.
The process in which animals learn about the relationship between their behaviors and their consequences. Occurs when a behavior rather than a stimulus is associated with the occurrence of a significant event
Describe the process of operant conditioning.
The subject is presented with an conditioned stimulus that requires voluntary action to elicit a consequence and based on how much the subject values that consequence they will learn to take voluntary action in pursuit of or away from said consequence. (Skinner’s box experiment with the rat).
Compare and contrast classical and operant conditioning.
In classical conditioning a stimulus is associated with the occurrence of a significant event where in operant conditioning instead a behavior is associated with the occurrence of a significant event. Additionally, operant conditioning involves a voluntary response (e.g., pressing a lever) on the part of the subject where classical conditioning deals with involuntary responses (e.g., salivating).
What is taste aversion conditioning?
The phenomenon in which a taste is paired with a sickness, and this causes the organism to reject —and dislike— that taste in the future.
What is the evolutionary significance of taste aversion conditioning?
Preparedness; if there is a particular food that makes us ill, associating that flavor with the illness will more greatly ensure we avoid that food in the future, and avoid getting sick.
What phenomenon does the term “extinction” refer to in learning theory?
Decrease in the strength of a learned behavior that occurs when the conditioned stimulus is presented without the unconditioned stimulus (in classical conditioning) or when the behavior is no longer reinforced (in operant conditioning)
Describe spontaneous recovery.
Following a lapse in exposure to the conditioned stimulus after extinction has occurred, sometimes re-exposure to the conditioned stimulus can evoke the conditioned response again.
What is the renewal effect?
After extinction, if the conditioned stimulus is tested in a new context the conditioned response can also return.
What do both the renewal effect and spontaneous recovery suggest about extinction?
Extinction merely inhibits rather than erases the learned behavior.
What is observational learning?
The process of learning by observing the behavior of others.
What is Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory?
The theory that people can learn new responses and behaviors by observing the behavior of others. (The bobo doll experiment)
