Chapter 8 - The Adaptive Mind Flashcards
unconditioned stimulus
stimulus that elicits an unlearned response (instinctual stimulus)
ex) food
unconditioned response
unlearned reaction
ex) dog drools for food
conditioned stimulus
stimulus that elicits a response because it’s paired with an unconditioned stimulus
ex) bell
conditioned response
response similar to unconditioned response
ex) dog drools for bell
little albert experiment
UCS = loud noise
UCR = fear
CS = white rat
CR = fear
operant conditioning
consequences of a behavior lead to changes in the probability of the behavior’s occurrence
positive reinforcement
reinforcement = reward increases probability the behavior will repeat
reinforcer = the reward
positive reinforcement requirements
- timing (reward & behavior = close together)
- consistency (presently every time)
- true positive reinforcer (reward is good enough)
reinforcer types
- primary = innately reinforcing (food, warmth)
- secondary = learned through classical conditioning (money, applause)
continuous reinforcement
reinforcer = given every time
fixed ratio
reinforcer given only after a specific number of behaviors
ex) paycheck after fixing 5 cars
variable ratio
reinforcer given after a varying number of behaviors
ex) slot machines
- best reinforcement scheduele
fixed interval schedule
reinforcer given after a fixed amount of time
ex) food given every 5 min
variable interval schedule
reinforcer given after a variable amount of time
ex) food given approximately every 5 min
negative reinforcement
removing a bad thing reinforces desired behavior
