Classical & Operant Conditioning Flashcards
Classical Conditioning
occurs unconsciously through associations between stimuli within our environment
Operant Conditioning
learning controlled by the consequences of our behaviour.
Explain classical conditioning
an unconditioned stimulus (food) that naturally elicits a reflexive response (i.e. salivation)
AND a previously neutral stimulus (i.e. bell) that did not elicit the response.
After repeated pairings with the unconditional stimulus the neutral stimulus is able to elicit a response on its own
Acquisition
learning phase during which a
conditioned response is established
Frequency
UCS and CS need to be paired several times before
the CS alone can produce a CR.
Stimulus generalisation:
CR occurs with other stimuli that are similar to the CS, but have never been paired with the UCS.
Unconditioned Stimulus
Any stimulus which naturally elicits a reflexive response
Unconditioned Response
The response naturally elicited by the unconditional stimulus
Conditioned Stimulus
A previously neutral stimulus that is able to elicit a particular response after being paired with the unconditional stimulus
Conditioned Response
The response is elicited by the conditioned stimulus
Stimulus discrimination:
stimuli which are similar to the CS produce a less pronounced CR (or no response at all)
Extinction
gradual reduction and eventual elimination of the CR after the CS is presented repeatedly without the UCS.
What is Thorndike’s Law of Effect?
Behaviours which lead to a “satisfying state of affairs” are more likely to be repeated in the future.
What is Reinforcement?
Stimulus which occurs after the behaviour and
increases the likelihood that the behaviour will occur again
What is Punishment?
Stimulus which occurs after the behaviour and
decreases the likelihood that the behaviour will occur again.
