Chapter 6

Question 1

Learning

Answer 1

Any relatively permanent change in knowledge or
behavior that can be attributed to experience.

Question 2

Associative learning

Answer 2

The formation of simple associations between various stimuli and responses.

Question 3

Classical conditioning

Answer 3

A form of learning in which reflex responses are associated with new stimuli.

Question 4

Unconditioned stimulus (US)

Answer 4

Something that elicits a response without any prior experience.

Question 5

Unconditioned response (UR)

Answer 5

Response to a stimulus that
requires no previous experience.

Question 6

Neutral stimulus (NS)

Answer 6

A stimulus that does not evoke
a response.

Question 7

Conditioned stimulus (CS)

Answer 7

Neutral stimulus that, through
pairing with an unconditioned stimulus, comes to elicit a learned response.

Question 8

Conditioned response (CR)

Answer 8

Learned reaction elicited by pairing an originally neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus.

Question 9

Extinction (classical conditioning)

Answer 9

Weakening of a learned
response by repeatedly presenting the conditioned stimulus without the unconditioned stimulus.

Question 10

Spontaneous recovery

Answer 10

Reappearance of a learned response after its apparent extinction.

Question 11

Stimulus generalization

Answer 11

Tendency to respond to stimuli similar to a conditioned stimulus.

Question 12

Stimulus discrimination

Answer 12

The learned ability to respond
differently to similar stimuli

Question 13

Conditioned emotional response (CER)

Answer 13

An emotional
response that has been linked to a previously nonemotional stimulus by classical conditioning.

Question 14

Operant conditioning chamber (Skinner box)

Answer 14

An apparatus designed to study operant conditioning in animals.

Question 15

Reinforcer

Answer 15

Any event that reliably increases the probability or
frequency of responses it follows.

Question 16

Positive reinforcement

Answer 16

Occurs when a response is followed by a reward or other positive event.

Question 17

Negative reinforcement

Answer 17

Occurs when a response is followed by an end to discomfort or by the removal of an unpleasant event.

Question 18

Punisher

Answer 18

Any event that decreases the probability or frequency of
responses that it follows.

Question 19

Positive punishment (punishment)

Answer 19

Any event that follows a
response and decreases its likelihood of occurring again; the process of suppressing a response.

Question 20

Negative punishment (response cost)

Answer 20

Removal of a positive
reinforcer after a response is made.

Question 21

Operant extinction

Answer 21

The weakening or disappearance of a
nonreinforced operant response.

Question 22

Operant (instrumental) conditioning

Answer 22

Learning based on the
positive or negative consequences of responding.

Question 23

Law of effect

Answer 23

Responses that lead to desirable effects are repeated; those that produce undesirable results are not.

Question 24

Operant stimulus generalization

Answer 24

The tendency to respond to
stimuli similar to those that preceded reinforcement.

Question 25

Operant stimulus discrimination

Answer 25

The tendency to make an
operant response when stimuli previously associated with reward are present and to withhold the response when stimuli associated with
non-reward are present.

Question 26

Shaping

Answer 26

Gradually molding responses to a final desired pattern

Question 27

Continuous reinforcement

Answer 27

A pattern in which a reinforcer
follows every correct response.

Question 28

Partial reinforcement

Answer 28

A pattern in which only a portion of all responses are reinforced.

Question 29

Partial reinforcement effect

Answer 29

Responses acquired with partial
reinforcement are more resistant to extinction.

Question 30

Schedules of reinforcement

Answer 30

Rules or plans for determining
which responses will be reinforced

Question 31

Fixed ratio (FR) schedule

Answer 31

An arrangement where a set number of correct responses must be made to get a reinforcer. For example,
a reinforcer is given for every four correct responses

Question 32

Variable ratio (VR) schedule

Answer 32

An arrangement where a varied
number of correct responses must be made to get a reinforcer. For example, a reinforcer is given after three to seven correct responses; the actual number changes randomly.

Question 33

Fixed interval (FI) schedule

Answer 33

An arrangement where a reinforcer is given only when a correct response is made after a set amount of time has passed since the last reinforced response. Responses made
during the time interval are not reinforced.

Question 34

Variable interval (VI) schedule

Answer 34

An arrangement where a
reinforcer is given for the first correct response made after a varied amount of time has passed since the last reinforced response. Responses made during the time interval are not reinforced.

Question 35

Primary reinforcers

Answer 35

Nonlearned reinforcers; usually those that satisfy physiological needs

Question 36

Secondary reinforcer

Answer 36

A learned reinforcer; often one that gains reinforcing properties by association with a primary reinforcer.

Question 37

Token reinforcer

Answer 37

A tangible secondary reinforcer such as money, gold stars, poker chips, and the like.

Question 38

Observational learning (modeling)

Answer 38

Learning achieved by
watching and imitating the actions of another or noting the
consequences of those actions.

Question 39

Model (in learning)

Answer 39

A person who serves as an example in observational learning.

Question 40

Disinhibition

Answer 40

The removal of inhibition; results in acting out that
normally would be restrained.

Question 41

Cognitive learning

Answer 41

Higher-level learning involving thinking, knowing, understanding, and anticipation.

Question 42

School psychologists

Answer 42

Psychologists who work in schools and design interventions for students who are having difficulties.

Question 43

Educational psychologists

Answer 43

Psychologists who carry out research to better understand how people best learn and how teachers can improve instruction.

Question 44

Bloom’s taxonomy

Answer 44

A system for classifying knowledge and learning

Question 45

Growth mindset

Answer 45

The belief that intelligence and talents can be developed through hard work and effort.

Question 46

Fixed mindset

Answer 46

The belief that intelligence and talents are inborn and cannot easily be changed

Question 47

Direct instruction

Answer 47

A method of instruction in which information is presented by lecture or demonstration, and students often learn
through rote practice.

Question 48

Discovery learning

Answer 48

Learning based on insight and understanding.

Question 49

Feedback

Answer 49

Information returned to people about their progress toward a goal.

Question 50

Behavioral contract A formal agreement stating behaviors to be
changed and consequences that apply.

Question 51

Premack principle

Answer 51

Any high-frequency response can be used to reinforce a low-frequency response.

Question 52

Self-recording

Answer 52

Self-management based on keeping records of response frequencies.