Learning

Question 1

Define associative learning

Answer 1

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).

Question 2

Define respondent behavior

Answer 2

Behavior that occurs as an automatic response to some stimulus.

Question 3

Define operant behavior

Answer 3

Behavior that operates on the environment, producing consequences.

Question 4

Define cognitive learning.

Answer 4

The acquisition of mental information, whether by observing events, by watching others, or through language.

Question 5

Why are habits, such as having something sweet with a cup of coffee, so hard to break?

Answer 5

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!

Question 6

Define classical condition

Answer 6

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).

Question 7

Define neutral stimulus

Answer 7

in classical conditioning, a stimulus that elicits no response before conditioning.

Question 8

Define unconditioned response (UR)

Answer 8

In classical conditioning, an unlearned naturally occurring response (such as salivation) to an unconditioned stimulus (US) (such as food in the mouth).

Question 9

Define unconditioned stimulus (US)

Answer 9

In classical conditioning, a stimulus that unconditionally–naturally and automatically–triggers an unconditioned response.

Question 10

Define conditioned response.

Answer 10

In classical conditioning, a learned response to a previously neutral (but now conditioned) stimulus (CS).

Question 11

Defined conditioned stimulus.

Answer 11

In classical conditioning, an originally neutral stimulus that, after association with an unconditioned stimulus (US), comes to trigger a conditioned response (CR).

Question 12

Define an acquisition

Answer 12

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.

Question 13

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?

Answer 13

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

Question 14

Define extinction

Answer 14

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.

Question 15

Define spontaneous recovery

Answer 15

the reappearance, after a pause, of an extinguished conditioned response.

Question 16

If the aroma of a baking cake sets your mouth to watering, what is the US? The CS? The CR?

Answer 16

US = The cake (including its taste) 
CS = The associated aroma
CR = Salivation to the aroma

Question 17

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 _______.

Answer 17

Acquisition, extinction.

Question 18

Define Generalization

Answer 18

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.

Question 19

Define discrimination

Answer 19

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.)

Question 20

Learning is defined as “the process of acquiring through experience new and relatively enduring _______ or ______.”

Answer 20

information or behaviors

Question 21

Two forms of associative learning are classical conditioning, in which the organism associates _______, and operant conditioning, in which the organism associates _______.

Answer 21

Two or more stimuli, a response and consequence

Question 22

In Pavlov’s experiments, the tone started as a neutral stimulus and then became an _______ stimulus

Answer 22

Conditioned

Question 23

Dogs have been taught to salivate to a circle but not a square. This process is an example of ______.

Answer 23

discrimination

Question 24

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 _______.

Answer 24

Generalization

Question 25

“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.

Answer 25

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.

Question 26

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.

Answer 26

Do not, resulting

Question 27

Define Law of effect

Answer 27

Thorndike’s principle that behaviors followed by favorable consequences become more likely, and that behaviors followed by unfavorable consequences become less likely.

Question 28

Define reinforcement

Answer 28

In operant conditioning any event that strengthens the behavior it follows.

Question 29

Give an example of positive reinforcement to learn safe driving.

Answer 29

A gas gift card for every time you drive safe.

Question 30

Give an example of negative reinforcement to promote safe driving

Answer 30

The noise to put on your seat belt.

Question 31

Give an example of positive punishment to promote safe driving

Answer 31

A ticket for speeding

Question 32

Give a negative punishment to promote safe driving

Answer 32

Take away license

Question 33

Give me examples of the four schedules of reinforcement

Answer 33

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

Question 34

Define high order conditioning

Answer 34

a procedure when another stimulus is paired with a neutral stimulus, creating an often weaker conditioned stimulus

Question 35

Positive reinforcement

Answer 35

increases behavior, using any stimulus that, when presented after a response, strengthens a response

Question 36

Negative reinforcement

Answer 36

increases behaviors by stopping or reducing a negative stimuli

Question 37

define shaping

Answer 37

reinforcers that gradually guide behavior until the process is learned

Question 38

Mirror neurons

Answer 38

frontal lobe neurons, which some scientists believe that these neurons fire while performing certain actions and also do so observing others.