Exam 2 Flashcards
(175 cards)
Learning
A relatively permanent change in behavior that occurs through experience.
Associative learning
Learning that certain events occur together. Can either by two stimuli (classical conditioning) or a response and its consequence (operant conditioning)
Classical conditioning (learning type)
SR (Stimulus response) Learning
Classical conditioning (definition)
Learn to associate two stimuli and therefore anticipate events
Unconditioned stimulus (US)
Unlearned stimulus. Individual already knows about this stimulus.
Unconditioned response (UR)
Unconditioned response, almost like a reflex.
Conditioned stimulus (CS)
Stimulus that was previously neutral (had no meaning) repeatedly paired with unconditioned stimulus.
Conditioned response (CR)
Conditioned response, learned throughout the pairing of conditioned and unconditioned response.
Principles of classical conditioning
- Acquisition
- Higher order conditioning/second order conditioning
- Generalization
- Discrimination
- Extinction
- Spontaneous recovery
Acquisition (definition)
The initial learning of an association.
Acquisition (types)
- Backward conditioning
- Simultaneous conditioning
- Trace conditioning
- Delayed conditioning
Backward conditioning
US preceded the CS.
- Feeding and then banging the spoon
- Not very effective
Simultaneous conditioning
CS and US presented at same time
- Banging the spoon and giving food at same time
- Not very effective
Trace conditioning
CS is discontinued before the US is presented
- Banging the spoon and taking a short break before feeding
- More effective
Delayed conditioning
CS presented at least until the US is presented.
- Banging the spoon and feeding immediately
- Most effective
Higher order conditioning (another name)
Second order conditioning
Higher order conditioning/Second order conditioning
You have an established conditioned response but you pair a new stimulus with an already learned conditioned stimulus.
- Learning to put the CS with the US that was previously the CS
- Ex: Opening drawer before banging spoon before getting food
Generalization
Conditioned response occurs to stimuli that are similar to an established conditional stimulus
- Ex: Opening drawer but it was the wrong drawer.
Discrimination
An individual learns to respond to certain stimuli but not others.
- Ex: Learning to differ between drawer sounds.
Extinction
The behavior no longer produces the outcome that was influencing. If you engage in behaviors that used to be reinforced and it’s no longer reinforced, the individual will stop engaging in that behavior.
- Ex: Switched to dry food. No longer uses spoons to feed. Cat slowly dissociates from the drawer opening.
Spontaneous recovery
Occurs when the conditioned response appears after having previously been extinguished.
Explanations for classical conditioning
- Stimulus substitution
- Information theory
- Biological mechanisms
Stimulus substitution - Explanations for classical conditioning
Explanation of classical conditioning.
- The conditioned stimulus comes to be perceived exactly as the unconditioned stimulus at the level of the nervous system.
Information theory - Explanations for classical conditioning
Explanation of classical conditioning.
- A cognitive explanation that the individual is learning that the conditioned stimulus is telling us something about the delivery of the unconditioned stimulus. It’s a signal that’s telling us what’s about to happen.