Conditioning and Learning (Psychology)

Question 1

Classical conditioning (Pavlov’s Dogs)

Answer 1

Neutral stimulus such as a bell

Unconditioned stimulus such as food which stimulates salivation in the case of dogs

During conditioning the neutral stimulus is placed before the unconditioned stimulus

There is then a conditioned response to the neutral stimulus becomes salivation (i.e the dog salivates just at the tone of the bell)

Strength - can account for respondent behaviours (automatic behaviours)

Question 2

Operant conditioning

Answer 2

Specific consequences are associated with a behaviour

Uses reward to reinforce desirable behaviours and punishment to decrease unwanted behaviours

Actions that are followed by reinforcement will be strengthened and more likely to occur again, such as praise for completing homework

e.g. Getting a fine (unpleasant stimulus) for speeding (unwanted behaviour)

Question 3

In regards to operant conditioning, what is positive reinforcement?

Answer 3

Favourable outcome for a desirable behaviour
e.g. Praise or reward for completing homework

Question 4

In regards to operant conditioning, what is negative reinforcement?

Answer 4

Removing of a negative stimulus for a desirable behaviour e.g. stopping torture when information is shared, removing restrictions from a child when they follow the rules

Question 5

In regards to operant conditioning, what is positive punishment?

Answer 5

Introduction of a negative stimuli, such as spanking, in response to undesirable behaviours. Punishment by application

Question 6

In regards to operant conditioning, what is negative punishment?

Answer 6

Removal of a positive stimulus in response to an undesirable behaviour such as disallowing video games