Learning Flashcards
Define associative learning
learning that certain events occur together.
ex - the events may be two stimuli’s (as in classical conditioning) or its response and its consequence (as in operant conditioning).
Define respondent behavior
Behavior that occurs as an automatic response to some stimulus.
Define operant behavior
Behavior that operates on the environment, producing consequences.
Define cognitive learning.
The acquisition of mental information, whether by observing events, by watching others, or through language.
Why are habits, such as having something sweet with a cup of coffee, so hard to break?
Habits form when we repeat behaviors in a given context and, as a result, learn associations–often without or awareness.
ex - having a donut with coffee, we associate the flavor of coffee with the donut, so the cup of coffee alone doesn’t seem right anymore!
Define classical condition
A type of learning in which we link two or more stimuli; as a result, to illustrate with Pavlov’s classic experiment, the first stimulus (a tone) comes to elicit behavior (drooling) in anticipation for the second stimulus (the food).
Define neutral stimulus
in classical conditioning, a stimulus that elicits no response before conditioning.
Define unconditioned response (UR)
In classical conditioning, an unlearned naturally occurring response (such as salivation) to an unconditioned stimulus (US) (such as food in the mouth).
Define unconditioned stimulus (US)
In classical conditioning, a stimulus that unconditionally–naturally and automatically–triggers an unconditioned response.
Define conditioned response.
In classical conditioning, a learned response to a previously neutral (but now conditioned) stimulus (CS).
Defined conditioned stimulus.
In classical conditioning, an originally neutral stimulus that, after association with an unconditioned stimulus (US), comes to trigger a conditioned response (CR).
Define an acquisition
the initial stage, when one links a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus so that the neutral stimulus begins triggering the conditioned response. In operant conditioning, the strengthening of a reinforced response.
An experimenter sounds a tone just before delivering an air puff that causes your eyes to blink. After several repetitions, you blink to the tone alone. What is the NS? The US? The UR? The CS? The CR?
NS = the tone before conditioning US = the air puff UR = blink to the air puff CS = the tone after conditioning CR = Blinking to the tone
Define extinction
The diminishing of a conditioned response; occurs in classical conditioning when an unconditioned stimulus (US) does not follow a conditioned stimulus (CS); occurs in operant conditioning when a response is no longer reinforced.
Define spontaneous recovery
the reappearance, after a pause, of an extinguished conditioned response.
If the aroma of a baking cake sets your mouth to watering, what is the US? The CS? The CR?
US = The cake (including its taste) CS = The associated aroma CR = Salivation to the aroma
The first step of classical conditioning, when an NS becomes a CS, is called ______. When US no longer follows the CS, and the CR becomes weakened, this is called _______.
Acquisition, extinction.
Define Generalization
Once a response has been conditioned, the tendency for stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus to elicit similar responses. And in operant conditioning, generalization occurs when responses learned in one situation occur in other similar situations.
Define discrimination
In classical conditioning, the learned ability to distinguish between a conditioned stimulus and similar stimuli that do not signal an unconditioned stimulus. (In operant conditioning, the ability to distinguish responses that are reinforced from similar responses that are not reinforced.)
Learning is defined as “the process of acquiring through experience new and relatively enduring _______ or ______.”
information or behaviors
Two forms of associative learning are classical conditioning, in which the organism associates _______, and operant conditioning, in which the organism associates _______.
Two or more stimuli, a response and consequence
In Pavlov’s experiments, the tone started as a neutral stimulus and then became an _______ stimulus
Conditioned
Dogs have been taught to salivate to a circle but not a square. This process is an example of ______.
discrimination
After Watson and Rayner classically conditioned Little Albert to fear a white rat, the child later showed fear in response to a rabbit, a dog, and a sealskin coat. This illustrates _______.
Generalization
“Sex Sells” is a common saying in advertising. Using classical conditioning terms, explain how sexual images in advertisements can condition your response to a product.
A sexual image is a US that triggers a UR of interest or arousal. Before ad pairs a product with a sexual image, the product is an NS. Over time the product can become a CS that triggers the CR of interest or arousal.
With classical conditioning, we learn associations between events we ______ (do/do not) control. With operant conditioning, we learn associations between our behavior and ______ (resulting/random) events.
Do not, resulting
Define Law of effect
Thorndike’s principle that behaviors followed by favorable consequences become more likely, and that behaviors followed by unfavorable consequences become less likely.
Define reinforcement
In operant conditioning any event that strengthens the behavior it follows.
Give an example of positive reinforcement to learn safe driving.
A gas gift card for every time you drive safe.
Give an example of negative reinforcement to promote safe driving
The noise to put on your seat belt.
Give an example of positive punishment to promote safe driving
A ticket for speeding
Give a negative punishment to promote safe driving
Take away license
Give me examples of the four schedules of reinforcement
Fixed ratio = a bonus after selling “five” cars, or McDonald’s coffee cards, buying nine coffees and getting the tenth one free.
Variable ratio = random bonuses, and roll up the rim, or slot machines.
Fixed interval = paycheque every two weeks
Variable interval = random bonuses at work
Define high order conditioning
a procedure when another stimulus is paired with a neutral stimulus, creating an often weaker conditioned stimulus
Positive reinforcement
increases behavior, using any stimulus that, when presented after a response, strengthens a response
Negative reinforcement
increases behaviors by stopping or reducing a negative stimuli
define shaping
reinforcers that gradually guide behavior until the process is learned
Mirror neurons
frontal lobe neurons, which some scientists believe that these neurons fire while performing certain actions and also do so observing others.
