FlashcardsChapter06

Question 1

Term

Answer 1

Description

Question 2

Acquisition

Answer 2

The gradual formation of an association between the conditioned and unconditioned stimuli. (page 214)

Question 3

Associative learning

Answer 3

Linking two stimuli, or events, that occur together. (page 209)

Question 4

Behavior modification

Answer 4

The use of operant-conditioning techniques to eliminate unwanted behaviors and replace them with desirable ones. (page 233)

Question 5

Classical conditioning (Pavlovian conditioning)

Answer 5

A type of associative learning in which a neutral stimulus comes to elicit a response when it is associated with a stimulus that already produces that response. (page 210)

Question 6

Cognitive map

Answer 6

A visual/spatial mental representation of an environment. (page 236)

Question 7

Conditioned response (CR)

Answer 7

A response to a conditioned stimulus; a response that has been learned. (page 212)

Question 8

Conditioned stimulus (CS)

Answer 8

A stimulus that elicits a response only after learning has taken place. (page 212)

Question 9

Continuous reinforcement

Answer 9

A type of learning in which behavior is reinforced each time it occurs. (page 230)

Question 10

Extinction

Answer 10

A process in which the conditioned response is weakened when the conditioned stimulus is repeated without the unconditioned stimulus. (page 216)

Question 11

Fear conditioning

Answer 11

A type of classical conditioning that turns neutral stimuli into feared stimuli. (page 221)

Question 12

Habituation

Answer 12

A decrease in behavioral response after repeated exposure to a stimulus. (page 209)

Question 13

Latent learning

Answer 13

Learning that takes place in the absence of reinforcement. (page 237)

Question 14

Law of effect

Answer 14

Thorndike’s general theory of learning: Any behavior that leads to a “satisfying state of affairs” is likely to occur again, and any behavior that leads to an “annoying state of affairs” is less likely to occur again. (page 225)

Question 15

Learning

Answer 15

A relatively enduring change in behavior, resulting from experience. (page 208)

Question 16

Mirror neurons

Answer 16

Neurons in the brain that are activated when one observes another individual engage in an action and when one performs a similar action. (page 244)

Question 17

Modeling

Answer 17

The imitation of observed behavior. (page 239)

Question 18

Negative punishment

Answer 18

The removal of a stimulus to decrease the probability of a behavior’s recurring. (page 231)

Question 19

Negative reinforcement

Answer 19

The removal of an unpleasant stimulus to increase the probability of a behavior’s being repeated. (page 229)

Question 20

Nonassociative learning

Answer 20

Responding after repeated exposure to a single stimulus, or event. (page 209)

Question 21

Observational learning

Answer 21

Acquiring or changing a behavior after exposure to another individual performing that behavior. (page 209)

Question 22

Operant conditioning (instrumental conditioning)

Answer 22

A learning process in which the consequences of an action determine the likelihood that it will be performed in the future. (page 224)

Question 23

Partial reinforcement

Answer 23

A type of learning in which behavior is reinforced intermittently. (page 230)

Question 24

Partial-reinforcement extinction effect

Answer 24

The greater persistence of behavior under partial reinforcement than under continuous reinforcement. (page 231)

Question 25

Phobia

Answer 25

An acquired fear that is out of proportion to the real threat of an object or of a situation. (page 221)

Question 26

Positive punishment

Answer 26

The administration of a stimulus to decrease the probability of a behavior’s recurring. (page 231)

Question 27

Positive reinforcement

Answer 27

The administration of a stimulus to increase the probability of a behavior’s being repeated. (page 229)

Question 28

Reinforcer

Answer 28

A stimulus that follows a response and increases the likelihood that the response will be repeated. (page 226)

Question 29

Rescorla-Wagner model

Answer 29

A cognitive model of classical conditioning; it holds that learning is determined by the extent to which a US is unexpected or surprising. (page 218)

Question 30

Sensitization

Answer 30

An increase in behavioral response after exposure to a stimulus. (page 210)

Question 31

Shaping

Answer 31

A process of operant conditioning; it involves reinforcing behaviors that are increasingly similar to the desired behavior. (page 227)

Question 32

Spontaneous recovery

Answer 32

A process in which a previously extinguished conditioned response reemerges after the presentation of the conditioned stimulus. (page 216)

Question 33

Stimulus discrimination

Answer 33

A differentiation between two similar stimuli when only one of them is consistently associated with the unconditioned stimulus. (page 215)

Question 34

Stimulus generalization

Answer 34

Learning that occurs when stimuli that are similar but not identical to the conditioned stimulus produce the conditioned response. (page 215)

Question 35

Unconditioned response (UR)

Answer 35

A response that does not have to be learned, such as a reflex. (page 212)

Question 36

Unconditioned stimulus (US)

Answer 36

A stimulus that elicits a response, such as a reflex, without any prior learning. (page 212)

Question 37

Vicarious learning

Answer 37

Learning the consequences of an action by watching others being rewarded or punished for performing the action. (page 241)