Learning Flashcards
What is learning?
Learning is an adaptive function by which our nervous system changes in relation to stimuli, altering behavioral responses.
What are the three main types of learning?
- Classical conditioning
- Operant conditioning
- Observational learning
Define classical conditioning.
Classical conditioning is the process of learning to associate events or stimuli that frequently occur together.
What is the unconditioned response in Pavlov’s experiment?
The dogs’ natural salivation in response to seeing or smelling their food.
What is the unconditioned stimulus in Pavlov’s experiment?
The sight or smell of the food.
What is the conditioned stimulus in Pavlov’s experiment?
The ringing of the bell.
What is the conditioned response in Pavlov’s experiment?
Salivation of the dogs in response to the ringing of the bell.
What is extinction in classical conditioning?
The decrease in the conditioned response when the unconditioned stimulus is no longer presented with the conditioned stimulus.
What does spontaneous recovery refer to?
The return of a previously extinguished conditioned response following a rest period.
Define operant conditioning.
Operant conditioning is the learning process by which behaviors are reinforced or punished, affecting their frequency.
What is the ‘law of effect’?
Behaviors followed by satisfying consequences are more likely to be repeated, while those followed by unpleasant consequences are less likely.
What is shaping in operant conditioning?
A method of training by which successive approximations toward a target behavior are reinforced.
What are primary reinforcers?
Reinforcers that have innate reinforcing qualities, such as water, food, and shelter.
What are secondary reinforcers?
Reinforcers that have no inherent value until linked with a primary reinforcer.
Fill in the blank: In operant conditioning, positive means you are ______ something and negative means you are ______ something away.
adding; taking
