Learning Flashcards
learning
relatively permanent change in behavior as a result of experience
What are the three theories for learning?
- classical conditioning
- operant conditioning
- cognitive learning
Define: classical conditioning
learning that takes place when two stimuli, one conditioned and one unconditioned, are presented together to induce the same response
Pavlov’s example:
- Dogs learned to salivate in response to the bell chime because it was followed by food
Define acquisition as it relates to classical conditioning.
passively learning to give a known response to a new stimulus
Define stimulus as it relates to classical conditioning.
change in the environment that brings about a response
Define response as it relates to classical conditioning.
reaction to a stimulus
Stimuli that increase the likelihood of a behavior are called __________.
reinforcers
reinforcers
Stimuli that increase the likelihood of a behavior
Define in terms of Pavlov's experiment: neutral stimulus (NS)
stimulus that initially does not elicit a response until it becomes CS
Pavlov’s example:
The NS is the bell because it does not produce salivation until it is paired with the food.
Define in terms of Pavlov's experiment: unconditioned stimulus (UCS or US)
reflexively, automatically brings about a response (ie: food)
Define in terms of Pavlov's experiment: unconditioned response (UCR or UR)
automatic, involuntary reaction to the unconditioned stimulus (ie, salivation)
Define in terms of Pavlov's experiment: conditioned stimulus (CS)
starts as neutral stimulus, but when paired with UCS, eventually brings about the conditioned response (ie: bell chime afterwards)
Define in terms of Pavlov's experiment: conditioned response (CR)
learned response to a previously neutral stimulus (ie, salivation afterwards)
How is delayed conditioning timed?
Delayed presentation of UCS after CS, the longer the delay, the less likely conditioning is to occur
How is trace conditioning timed?
neutral stimulus is presented and then taken away before the unconditioned stimulus appears (basically, a much delayed conditioning)
How is simultaneous conditioning timed?
neutral stimulus and unconditioned stimulus are presented together at the same time
How is backward conditioning timed?
unconditioned stimulus is presented before the neutral stimulus
What researcher(s) were behind the Little Albert experiment?
John B. Watson and Rosalie Rayner
Explain the Little Albert classical conditioning experiment.
conditioned a nine-month-old baby named Albert to fear a rat
Albert wouldn’t cry from the sight of the rat, but cried from loud noise
loud noise was played when Albert reached for the rat
Albert eventually cried at sight of the rat
Define in terms of classical conditioning:
extinction
elimination of the CR through presenting the CS without the UCS repeatedly
Pavlov’s example: ring bell without food, dog will not salivate from bell
Little Albert: present rat without loud noise, baby will not cry from rat
Define in terms of classical conditioning:
spontaneous recovery
original response disappears and then returns later on w/o any repeated pairing
Define in terms of classical conditioning:
generalization
stimuli similar to the CS elicit the CR without any new conditioning
Define in terms of classical conditioning:
discrimination
CR is only produced by the presence of the CS but no other perhaps similar stimuli because there others are not paired.
What is higher-order (a.k.a. second-order) conditioning?
learning which occurs when a previously learned CS is now used as the US to produce a CR to a new stimulus
Example:
Flashing a light before Pavlov’s bell would train the dogs to salivate from only the light.
Define:
operant conditioning
learning that occurs when a subject performs certain VOLUNTARY behavior, and the consequences of the behavior determine the likelihood of its recurrence
How did Edward Thorndike contribute to research on operant conditioning?
Cats in puzzle boxes to demonstrate trial and error in obtaining a fish
coined the terms “instrumental learning” and “Law of Effect”
What is instrumental learning?
Thorndike’s term for type of associative learning where a behavior becomes more or less probable depending on its consequence
Explain the Law of Effect.
concluded by Edward Thorndike
behaviors followed by a positive consequence are strengthened and more likely to occur
behaviors followed by a negative consequence are weakened and less likely to occur
What is a Skinner box?
- Designed by BF Skinner
- Operant conditioning chamber
- -> Levers
- -> Food dispensers
- -> Lights
- -> Electrified grid
What are the four training procedures of B.F. Skinner’s operant conditioning?
- positive reinforcement
- negative reinforcement
- positive punishment
- negative punishment
Define in terms of operant conditioning:
positive reinforcement
reward training
- A reinforcer follows a behavior to increase the likelihood of its repetition.
Example:
praise after participating in class
What is the Premack principle?
- a more probable (desirable) behavior to reinforce a less probably (less desirable) behavior
Example:
treating yourself to an hour of TV after spending three hours studying for an exam
Define in terms of operant conditioning:
negative reinforcement
removing an unpleasant consequence
Example:
Kid does dishes every day. Ask them to finish the food so they don’t need to do it.
What are avoidance and escape behaviors?
- avoidance behavior: takes away the aversive stimulus before it begins
- escape behavior: takes away the aversive stimulus after it has already started
Define in terms of operant conditioning:
punishment (positive)
unpleasant consequencethat follows a voluntary behavior, decreasing the probability that the behavior will be repeated;
Example:
spanking a child for misbehaving
Define in terms of operant conditioning: omission training (negative punishment)
removing a rewarding consequence following a voluntary behavior, decreasing the probability the behavior will be repeated
Example:
taking away a child’s toy after misbehaving
What is aversive conditioning?
learning that involves an unpleasant stimulus or reinforcer, such asnegative reinforcement and punishment
Define:
learned helplessness
state of feeling powerless to change yourself or your situation because of a prior inability to avoid an aversive event
What are the three types of reinforcers?
- primary
- secondary
- generalized
