Chapter 7: How do we learn Flashcards
What is the definition of learning in psychology?
Learning is the acquisition of new and relatively enduring information or behaviors through experience.
What is associative learning, and how does it relate to behavior?
Associative learning is the process of learning that certain events occur together. It underlies habitual behaviors by connecting stimuli or responses with their consequences.
What is cognitive learning, and how is it different from associative learning?
Cognitive learning involves acquiring mental information by observing events, watching others, or through language. It focuses on understanding rather than direct experience.
What is classical conditioning, and what type of behavior does it produce?
Classical conditioning is a learning process where one learns to link two or more stimuli to anticipate events. It produces respondent behavior, which is automatic and reflexive.
What is operant conditioning, and what type of behavior does it produce?
Operant conditioning is a learning process where behavior is strengthened if followed by reinforcement or diminished if followed by punishment. It produces operant behavior, which is voluntary and influenced by consequences.
Define the terms neutral stimulus (NS), unconditioned stimulus (US), and unconditioned response (UR) in classical conditioning.
Neutral stimulus (NS): A stimulus that evokes no response before conditioning.
Unconditioned stimulus (US): A stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response.
Unconditioned response (UR): The unlearned, naturally occurring reaction to the unconditioned stimulus.
What are conditioned stimulus (CS) and conditioned response (CR) in classical conditioning?
Conditioned stimulus (CS): An originally neutral stimulus that, after association with an unconditioned stimulus, triggers a conditioned response.
Conditioned response (CR): A learned response to the conditioned stimulus.
What is the process of acquisition in classical conditioning?
Acquisition is the initial learning phase where the neutral stimulus is associated with the unconditioned stimulus, leading to the conditioned response.
What is extinction in classical conditioning?
Extinction occurs when the conditioned response diminishes because the conditioned stimulus is no longer paired with the unconditioned stimulus.
Explain spontaneous recovery in classical conditioning.
Spontaneous recovery is the reappearance of an extinguished conditioned response after a pause or rest period.
What is the difference between generalization and discrimination in classical conditioning?
Generalization: Responding similarly to stimuli that are similar to the conditioned stimulus.
Discrimination: The ability to distinguish between the conditioned stimulus and other irrelevant stimuli.
What is the law of effect, and who proposed it?
Proposed by Edward Thorndike, the law of effect states that behaviors followed by favorable outcomes are more likely to occur, while those followed by unfavorable outcomes are less likely.
How does shaping work in operant conditioning?
Shaping means encouraging small steps toward a goal by rewarding actions that get closer and closer to the desired behavior.
What are the major types of reinforcers?
Positive reinforcement: Adding a desirable stimulus to increase a behavior.
Negative reinforcement: Removing an aversive stimulus to increase a behavior.
What is the difference between continuous and partial reinforcement?
Continuous reinforcement: Reinforcing the desired behavior every time it occurs, leading to rapid learning but rapid extinction.
Partial reinforcement: Reinforcing the behavior occasionally, resulting in slower acquisition but greater resistance to extinction.
