Learning Flashcards
define unconditioned stimulus
evokes an automatic response without being learnt
define unconditioned response
behaviour that occurs naturally due to a given stimulus
define neutral stimulus
is a stimulus that initially provokes no response
define conditioned stimulus
the learned stimulus a previously neutral stimulus that after being associated with unconditioned stimulus eventually comes to trigger a conditioned response
define conditioned response
the learned response after association
explain stage 1 before conditioning (classical)
unconditioned stimulus produces an unconditioned response. a neutral stimulus produces no response
explain stage 2 during conditioning (classical)
Neutral stimulus is paired with the unconditioned stimulus. This creates the unconditioned response.
explain stage 3 after conditioning (classical)
The neutral stimulus becomes the conditioned stimulus. This creates a conditioned response.
give an of classical conditioning stages using harry and lightning
Five-year-old Harry is watching a storm from his window. A huge bolt of lightning is followed by a tremendous thunderclap and Harry jumps at the noise. This happens several more times. There is a brief lull and then another lightning bolt. Harry jumps in response to the bolt.
NS = lightning bolt + UCS = sound of thunder UCR = jumps
CS =lightning bolt CR =jumps
define one trial learning
Acquire a new behaviour in a single pairing of MS and UCS. Tends to happen if response is severe and failing to learn could be fatal.
define extinction and spontaneous recovery
If the CS is repeatedly presented in the absence of the UCS the strength of the CR gradually declines and eventually becomes extinct. However, if the pairing ever occurs again then the response reappears.
define generalisation
Stimuli which are like the CS can also trigger the CR
E.g., little albert scared of all things white and fluffy
define discrimination in terms of classical conditioning
Stimuli which are like the CS can also trigger the CR
E.g., little albert scared of all things white and fluffy
describe pavlovs dog experiment
Pavlov was researching salivation in dogs as response to being fed
he inserted test into dogs throat
he notice if he rang a bell when he fed them
whenever they heard bell they would salivate
SHOW 3 stages of classical conditioning with pavlovs dogs
Before conditioning
Food (UCS) = salivate (UCR)
Bell (sound) (NS)
During conditioning
Food (UCS) + Bell (sound) (NS)
Salivate (UCR)
After conditioning
Bell sound (CS) Salivate (CR)
participants in watson and rayners study
one baby boy-albert
aged 9 months
11 months when began
chosen as was healthy and fearless
Describe the procedure in Watson and Rayner’s little albert study
-9 months albert was tested with a white rat and cotton wool to see if there was a fear reaction
-he did not (NS)
-albert cried when tested with loud noise (UCS) crying (UCR)
-at 11 months albert was conditioned
-shown white rat 3x paired with iron bar
- now when rat present alone albert whimpered as well as other fluffy white things
results of Little albert study
now when NS is CS albert crying is CR
Conclusion of watsona and rayners study
human can sucessfully be conditioned
evaluation: generalizability of watson and raynors study
-low
-single male child androcentric
-believed albert had a disability
-died at 6 of hydrocephalus
evaluation: reliability of watson and raynors study
-high
-standardized
-documented
-could (but shouldnt) be replicated
-filmed
evaluation: applicability of watson and raynors study
-mainly applicable to other learning theorists who investigated phobias to greater depth
- led to flooding and systematic
evaluation: validity of watson and raynors study
-high
-controlled
-did control tests
-lack ecological validity
-has construct validity
evaluation: ethics of watson and raynors study
-unethical
-distress
- no protection from harm
-not informed consent
what was operant conditioning orginally called
instrumental conditioning
who was operent conditioning deleveloped by
Thorndike and skinner
what is thorndikes law of effect
responses that produce satisfying respect are more likely to do again whereas discomforting we are less likely
describe skinners puzzle box experiment
-desgned a peice of apparatus that consists of a cotrolled enviroment where an animal can be placed
-lever which delivers a food pellet if pressed or pecked
- lever can also be connected to an electrified grid which turns on when lever pressed
define positive reinforcement
giving someone a reward to encourage a behaviour
define negative reinforcement
taking away something
positive punishment
adding an aversive stimulus that will reduce showing of the behaviour
negative punishment
the removal of a liked stimulus to reduce showing of behaviour
define primary reinforcers
these occur naturall to satisfy basic human needs eg food water and shelter
define secoundary reinforcers
associated with primary reinforcers and help to strenthen the behaviour
continous reinforcement
behaviour reinforced everytime its seen