Ch 7 - Learning Flashcards
What is an Unconditioned Stimulus (US)?
Stimulus that normally produces a measurable, involuntary response.
Examples include food in classical conditioning.
Define Unconditioned Response (UR).
An unlearned or involuntary response to an unconditioned stimulus.
Salivation in response to food is a classic example.
What is a Conditioned Stimulus (CS)?
A previously neutral stimulus that comes to elicit a conditioned response through association with an unconditioned stimulus.
The bell in Pavlov’s experiments is a common example.
Define Conditioned Response (CR).
The learned response to the conditioned stimulus.
Salivation in response to the bell after conditioning is an example.
What is classical conditioning?
A form of learning between two previously unrelated stimuli that results in a learned response.
Pavlov’s experiments with dogs illustrate this learning process.
What is habituation?
Repeated presentation of a stimulus leads to a reduction in response.
An example is becoming accustomed to a loud noise over time.
Define sensitization.
The presentation of a strong stimulus results in an exaggerated response to a later presentation of a weaker stimulus.
This can occur after experiencing a traumatic event.
What are the four key components of classical conditioning?
- Unconditioned Stimulus (US)
- Unconditioned Response (UR)
- Conditioned Stimulus (CS)
- Conditioned Response (CR)
Each component plays a critical role in the learning process.
What is the difference between reinforcement and punishment?
Reinforcement increases the likelihood of a behavior reoccurring, while punishment decreases the likelihood of a behavior reoccurring.
Both are critical concepts in operant conditioning.
List the four different types of reinforcement schedules.
- Fixed Ratio
- Variable Ratio
- Fixed Interval
- Variable Interval
These schedules dictate how and when reinforcement is delivered.
What is shaping in operant conditioning?
Reinforcing behaviors that gradually approach a desired response.
This technique is often used in training animals.
What does extinction refer to in classical conditioning?
Reduction of a conditioned response after repeated presentations of the conditioned stimulus alone.
The conditioned response may fade when the CS is presented without the US.
Define spontaneous recovery.
The reoccurrence of an extinguished conditioned response following a rest period.
This phenomenon shows that learning can be retained even after extinction.
What is stimulus generalization?
Stimuli similar to the original CS trigger the same conditioned response.
An example is a dog salivating to a different bell sound.
Define stimulus discrimination.
Learning to respond only to a specific conditioned stimulus and not to other irrelevant or similar stimuli.
This is essential for distinguishing between different stimuli.
What is operant conditioning?
A form of learning in which voluntary behaviors are modified based on consequences.
B.F. Skinner is a key figure in this area of psychology.
What is positive reinforcement?
Presentation of a pleasant stimulus after a behavior that increases the likelihood that the behavior will reoccur.
Examples include giving a treat to a dog for sitting.
Define negative reinforcement.
Removal of an unpleasant stimulus after a behavior that increases the likelihood that the behavior will reoccur.
An example is taking pain medication to alleviate pain.
What is a primary punisher?
A punisher that is naturally aversive for the organism.
Examples include shock or extreme temperature.
Define secondary punisher.
A neutral stimulus that becomes punishing.
This can vary from one species and one culture to another.
What is continuous reinforcement?
Every occurrence of the behavior is reinforced.
This type of reinforcement is effective for establishing new behaviors.
What is partial reinforcement?
The behavior is reinforced occasionally or intermittently.
This can lead to more persistent behaviors.
What is positive punishment?
Presentation of an unpleasant stimulus after a behavior that decreases the likelihood that the behavior will reoccur.
An example includes scolding a child for misbehavior.
Define negative punishment.
Removal of a pleasant stimulus after a behavior that decreases the likelihood that the behavior will reoccur.
An example is taking away a toy after a child misbehaves.
