Learning

Question 1

Classical Conditioning

Answer 1

Work of Ivan Pavlov.
The learning process that occurs when a previously
neutral stimulus (a ringing bell) is repeatedly paired with an unconditioned stimulus (food) to elicit a
conditioned response (salivation).

Question 2

UNCONDITIONED STIMULUS

Answer 2

A natural stimulus (food) that reflexively elicits a response (salivation) without the need for prior
learning.

Question 3

UNCONDITIONED RESPONSE

Answer 3

An unlearned response (salivation) that is elicited by an unconditioned stimulus (food).

Question 4

NEUTRAL STIMULUS

Answer 4

A stimulus (ringing bell) that produces no conditioned response prior to learning.

Question 5

CONDITIONED STIMULUS

Answer 5

The conditioned stimulus was originally the neutral stimulus. When systematically paired with the
unconditioned stimulus (food), the neutral stimulus (the ringing bell) becomes a conditioned stimulus
as it gains the power to cause a response.

Question 6

CONDITIONED RESPONSE

Answer 6

A conditioned response is a learned response elicited by the conditioned stimulus.

Question 7

EXTINCTION

Answer 7

The gradual weakening of a conditioned behavior when the conditioned stimulus is repeatedly
presented without the unconditioned stimulus.

Question 8

STIMULUS GENERALIZATION

Answer 8

Occurs when stimuli that are similar to the original stimulus also elicit the conditioned response. For
example, a three-year-old child is frightened by a white rabbit. A few days later, the same child sees
a white fur coat and becomes frightened.

Question 9

STIMULUS DISCRIMINATION

Answer 9

The ability to distinguish between two similar stimuli. For example, a person who is fearful of
poison oak leaves, but not oak tree leaves, is exhibiting stimulus discrimination.

Question 10

OPERANT CONDITIONING

Answer 10

A learning process in which behavior is shaped and maintained by consequences (rewards or
punishments) that follow a response. In contrast, in classical conditioning behavior is controlled by
the stimuli that precede a response.

Question 11

REINFORCEMENT

Answer 11

Reinforcement strengthens a response and makes it more likely to occur.

Question 12

POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT

Answer 12

A situation in which a behavior or response is followed by the addition of a reinforcing stimulus.
The stimulus increases the probability that the response will occur again.

Question 13

NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT

Answer 13

A situation in which a behavior or response is followed by the removal of an aversive stimulus.
Negative reinforcement increases the likelihood of a behavior by enabling a person to either escape
an existing aversive stimulus or avoid an aversive stimulus before it occurs.

Question 14

PREMACK PRINCIPLE

Answer 14

States that the opportunity to engage in a preferred activity can be used to reinforce a less-preferred
activity.

Question 15

CONTINUOUS REINFORCEMENT

Answer 15

A reinforcement schedule in which all correct responses are reinforced.

Question 16

SHAPING

Answer 16

The technique of strengthening behavior by reinforcing successive approximations of a behavior
until the entire correct routine is displayed.

Question 17

INTERMITTENT REINFORCEMENT

Answer 17

The rewarding of some, but not all, correct responses.

Question 18

FIXED RATIO SCHEDULE

Answer 18

Reinforcement occurs after a predetermined set of responses. For example, you are paid for every
two lawns you mow.

Question 19

VARIABLE RATIO SCHEDULE

Answer 19

Reinforcement is unpredictable because the ratio varies. For example, casino slot machines use a
variable ratio schedule.

Question 20

FIXED INTERVAL SCHEDULE

Answer 20

Reinforcement occurs after a predetermined time has elapsed. For example, you receive a paycheck
every Friday.

Question 21

VARIABLE INTERVAL SCHEDULE

Answer 21

Reinforcement occurs unpredictably since the time interval varies. For example, your teacher gives
unannounced pop quizzes.

Question 22

PUNISHMENT

Answer 22

Punishment is a process in which a behavior is followed by an aversive consequence that decreases
the likelihood of the behavior being repeated.

Question 23

POSITIVE PUNISHMENT

Answer 23

Adding an aversive stimulus that weakens a response and makes it less likely to recur.

Question 24

NEGATIVE PUNISHMENT

Answer 24

Taking away a stimulus that weakens a response and makes it less likely to recur.

Question 25

OBSERVATIONAL LEARNING

Answer 25

Occurs by watching others and then imitating or modeling the observed behavior.