L3: LEARNING FROM CONSEQUENCES

Question 1

which connection in the brain is affected when we learn by trial and error?

Answer 1

the sensorimotor connection with the environment

Question 2

define trial and error

Answer 2

discovering how to achieve a desirable consequence by doing different things and identifying if this occurs using your senses, discarding unsuccessful methods

Question 3

define the intelligent trial and error method

Answer 3

thinking and reasoning which variants of behaviours in your repertoire can solve the problem

Question 4

define the intelligent trial and error method

Answer 4

trying random variations of behaviours in your repertoire that are in some way related to what you want to achieve, solution may be found via chance

Question 5

describe the process of Thorndike’s cat in puzzle boxes

Answer 5

• cat in cage with food outside, initially the cat tries to squeeze through cage instinctively to escape and eventually performs action to open door by chance
• over days, time to escape is reduced
• learned to execute effective action from repeated experiences

Question 6

what happens in Box A (cat in puzzle box)

Answer 6

cat pulls on loop, catch is released and door opens

Question 7

what happens in Box K (cat in puzzle box)

Answer 7

cat presses bar, pulls loop and presses treadle for door to open

Question 8

state Thorndike’s law of effect

Answer 8

responses accompanied by satisfaction are more firmly connected with the situation so when it recurs, the response is more likely
- can change connection strengths

Question 9

how does law of effect impact response circuits

Answer 9

• sensory stimulation activates response production circuits to elicit a behaviour
• mutual inhibition between pairs of response circuits means that only one of the pair can be active at a given time
• the stimulus response connection increases after experience in the puzzle box

Question 10

define satisfaction

Answer 10

hypothetical internal condition evoked by a behavioural outcome critical for the strengthening process between a stimulus and the response

Question 11

define reinforcement

Answer 11

delivery of acquisition of a reinforcer

Question 12

define reinforcer

Answer 12

something capable of increasing likelihood that behaviour produced will be performed again or of increasing strength of behaviour

Question 13

define positive reinforcement

Answer 13

a desirable stimulus added / delivered to a situation

Question 14

define negative reinforcement

Answer 14

an aversive stimulus removed from a situation eg avoidance

Question 15

define positive punishment

Answer 15

delivery of a punishing stimulus

Question 16

define negative punishment

Answer 16

removal or loss of a desirable stimulus