Chapter 5 - Behavioral Theories of Learning Flashcards
Social Learning Theories
Learning theories that emphasize not only reinforcement but also the effects of cues on thought and of thought on action.
Behavioral Learning Theories
Explanations of learning that emphasize observable changes in behavior.
Cognitive Learning Theories
Explanations of learning that focus on mental processes.
Learning
A change in an individual that results from experience.
Stimuli
Environmental conditions that activate the senses; the singular is stimulus.
Unconditioned Stimulus
A stimulus that naturally evokes a particular response.
Unconditioned Response
A behavior that is prompted automatically by a stimulus
Neutral Stimuli
Stimuli that have no effect on a particular response
Conditioned Stimulus
A previously neutral stimulus that evokes a particular response after having been paired with an unconditioned stimulus
Classical Conditioning
The process of repeatedly associating a previously neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus in order to evoke a conditioned response
Operant Conditioning
The use of pleasant or unpleasant consequences to control the occurrence of behavior
Skinner Box
An apparatus developed by B.F. Skinner for observing animal behavior in experiments of operant conditioning
Consequences
Pleasant or unpleasant conditions that follow behaviors and affect the frequency of future behaviors
Reinforcer
A pleasurable consequence that maintains or increases a behavior
Primary Reinforcer
Food, water, or other consequence that satisfies a basic need
Secondary Reinforcer
A consequence that people learn to value through its association with a primary reinforcer
Positive Reinforcer
Pleasurable consequence given to strengthen behavior
Negative Reinforcer
Release from an unpleasant situation, given to strengthen behavior
Premack Principle
Rule stating that enjoyable activities can be used to reinforce participation in less enjoyable activities
Intrinsic Reinforcers
Behaviors that a person enjoys engaging in for their own sake, without any other reward
Extrinsic Reinforcers
Praise or rewards given to motivate people to engage in behavior that they might not do otherwise
Punishment
Unpleasant consequences used to weaken behavior
Aversive Stimulus
An unpleasant consequence that a person tries to avoid or escape
Presentation Punishment
An aversive stimulus following a behavior, used to decrease the chances that the behavior will occur again