LEARNING Flashcards
define learning
relatively permanent change often occurring in behaviour that occurs as a result of experience
define classical conditioning
learning based on pairing/ associating 2 normally unrelated stimuli
what year did pavlov conduct his research and what on?
1902
classical conditioning of dogs
define stimulus generalisation
generalising a response to another stimulus (due to similarity)
define stimulus discrimination
when a stimulus doesn’t elicit the conditioned response because it differs significantly from the original stimulus
define extinction
when repeated presentation of conditioned stimulus on its own stops eliciting a response (no longer an association between CS and UCS)
define spontaneous recovery
the sudden reappearance of previously extinct conditioned response after unconditioned stimulus was absent for some time
define Neutral stimulus
a stimulus that on its own, does not elicit a particular response
define unconditioned stimulus
a stimulus with the ability to produce a reflex response
define unconditioned response
a reflexive reaction to a specific unconditioned stimulus
define conditioned stimulus
a stimulus that elicits a particular response due to learning
was previously NS
define conditioned response
a reflex response elicited by a previously natural stimulus as a consequence of learning
define operant conditioning
learning where consequences of behaviour influence the likelihood of the behaviour being repeated
through reinforcement and punishment
define the ABC model for operant conditioning
A - Antecedent: stimulus occurring immediately prior to response
B - Behaviour: the observed behaviour in response the antecedent
C - Consequence: the outcome of the behaviour, affecting likelihood of occurrence
define reinforcer
any stimulus strengthening/increasing the likelihood of behaviour
positive reinforcer definition and example
reward strengthening response
eg. prize
negative reinforcer example and definition
removal/reduction of unpleasant stimuli
eg. not doing dishes
define punishment
any stimulus weakening likelihood of behaviour being repeated
positive punishment define and example
behaviour followed by an added consequence
eg. loud noise
negative punishment define and example
behaviour followed by the removal of a pleasant stimuli
eg. taking phone away
define the law of effect
how behaviours followed by desirable consequences have a greater likelihood of being repeated, while behaviours followed by unpleasant consequences are less likely to be repeated
what did Thorndike investigate?
Law of effect, using cats in a puzzle box
what did Skinner investigate and what year?
Pigeons in Skinners box, investigating operant conditioning
1948
define what is meant by a fixed schedule
predictable schedule where the length of time and number of responses is set
define what is meant by a variable schedule
an unpredictable schedule where the length of time and number of responses between reinforcements changes
define what is meant by a ratio schedule
a scheduled dependant on the quantity of responses needed before reinforcement is provided
define what is meant by interval schedule
a scheduled reliant on the length of time between reinforcements
define what is meant by continuous reinforcement
reinforcing behaviour after every occurrence
define what is meant by partial reinforcement
once behaviour is established, various schedules of positive reinforcement is used to strengthen behaviour
define reciprocal determinism
environment causes behaviour and learning
environment changes behaviour
define vicarious reinforcement
observed consequence of models actions modified the behaviour of the observer
define observational learning
where the learner watches the model, notices consequences of behaviour and decides whether to imitate the behaviour or not
what are the steps in the mediating process
- Attention
- Retention
- Reproduction
- Motivation
- Reinforcement
define attention (mediating process)
observer must be paying attention to the model
model must be interesting
define retention (mediating process)
the learner needs to be able to remember the models behaviour and what was occurring at time of observation
define reproduction (mediating process)
the learner must have the physical and cognitive abilities to reproduce the behaviour being observed
define motivation (mediating process)
the learner must have a reason to learn what is being observed
eg. incentive
define reinforcement (mediating process)
learner is more likely to reproduce models behaviour if there is an expectation that it will be reinforced
who invented the social learning theory?
Bandura 1977
what is a strength and limitation of the Social Learning theory of Bandura ?
Strength: strong empiracle evidence (bobo doll)
Limitation: can’t explain all behaviour, biological influence
what are the three stages of Bandura’s Bobo Doll experiment?
- Modelling
- Aggression Arousal
- Delayed Imitation Testing
define what is meant by a Token Economy
behaviour modification technique based on operant conditioning principals where a symbol reinforcer is used to encourage particular behaviours
symbol/token is awarded in exchange for a bigger reward
what is are 2 benefits of using token economies?
given immediately
easily track progress
what are 2 limitations of using token economies?
the reinforced behaviour is extrinsically motivated - once the token economy stops, behaviour isn’t likely to occur
possible for people to lose motivation to continue desired behaviour- same reward every time
define systematic desensitisation
type of therapy that combines relaxation techniques with gradual exposure (fear hierarchy) to overcome a phobia
define phobia
intense and irrational fear to an object or situation that continues overtime
define the 3 steps of systematic desensitisation
- therapist and client develop ‘fear hierarchy’ listing scenarios involving feared stimulus from least fear provoking to most
- therapist and client practise relaxation techniques
eg. deep breathing - through graded exposure, client is exposed to stimuli progressively, at the same time doing relaxation techniques
define 2 benefits of systemic desensitisation
exposure can include visualising situations involving fear stimulus - eliminating practical expose
continuation of therapy likely to occur due to high level of control client has
define 2 limitations of systematic desensitisation
exposure relying on visualisation are not suitable for clients who have difficulty imagining scenario
underlying cause of phobias is not addressed
2 strengths of bobo doll experiment
experimental research - cause and effect relationship established
can be replicated through the co trolling of variables and set procedure
2 limitations of Bobo Doll experiment
lab study - hard to promote real world applicability
model and child are strangers - usually family/known to one another
