Chapter 6: Learning

Question 1

Behaviorism

Answer 1

Psychology should be seen as a science. Theories
need to be supported by empirical data obtained
through careful and controlled observation and
measurement of (observable) behavior (experimental approach). All behavior is learned from the environment. We
learn new behavior through classical or operant
conditioning.

Question 2

Classical Conditioning (Pavlovian conditioning)

Answer 2

• A form of behavioral learning in which a
  previously neutral stimulus acquires the
  power to elicit the same innate reflex
  (response) produced by another (unlearned
  and biologically significant) stimulus
• Neutral stimulus becomes associated with
  unconditioned stimulus
• A type of associative learning in which a neutral stimulus comes to elicit a response when it is associated with a stimulus that already produces that
  response.

Question 3

Unconditioned Stimulus

Answer 3

Stimulus that triggers a natural occurring response (not learned)

Question 4

Unconditioned Response

Answer 4

Naturally occurring response (not learned)

Question 5

Neutral Stimulus

Answer 5

A stimulus that produces no response

Question 6

Conditioned Stimulus

Answer 6

Neutral stimulus (NS) that, after being repeatedly presented prior to the unconditioned stimulus (UCS), evokes a similar response as the unconditioned stimulus (UCS)

Question 7

Conditioned Response

Answer 7

The acquired response to the formerly neutral stimulus (NS)

Question 8

Thorndike’s Law of Effect

Answer 8

Any behavior that is followed by pleasant consequences is likely to be repeated, and any behavior followed by unpleasant consequences is likely to be stopped.

Question 9

Operant conditioning

Question 10

Observational Learning

Question 11

learning

Answer 11

A relatively enduring change in behavior resulting from experience.

Question 12

nonassociative learning

Answer 12

Responding after repeated exposure to a single stimulus or event.

Question 13

associative learning

Answer 13

Linking two stimuli or events that occur together.
social learning

Question 14

social learning

Answer 14

Acquiring or changing a behavior after verbal instruction or exposure to another individual performing that behavior.

Question 15

habituation

Answer 15

A decrease in behavioral response after repeated exposure to a stimulus.

Question 16

sensitization

Answer 16

An increase in behavioral response after exposure to a stimulus.

Question 17

stimulus generalization

Answer 17

Learning that occurs when stimuli that are similar but not identical to the conditioned stimulus produce the conditioned response.

Question 18

stimulus discrimination

Answer 18

A differentiation between two similar stimuli when only one of them is consistently associated with the unconditioned stimulus.

Question 19

operant conditioning (instrumental conditioning)

Answer 19

A learning process in which the consequences of an action determine the likelihood that it will be performed in the future.

Question 20

positive reinforcement

Answer 20

The administration of a stimulus to increase the probability of a behavior’s recurrence.

Question 21

negative reinforcement

Answer 21

The removal of an unpleasant stimulus to increase the probability of a behavior’s recurrence.

Question 22

positive punishment

Answer 22

The administration of a stimulus to decrease the probability of a behavior’s recurrence.

Question 23

negative punishment

Answer 23

The removal of a stimulus to decrease the probability of a behavior’s recurrence.

Question 24

shaping

Answer 24

A process of operant conditioning; it involves reinforcing behaviors that are increasingly similar to the desired behavior.