Learning Flashcards
Classical Conditioning
Learning which takes place when two or more stimuli are presented together; an unconditional stimulus is paired repeatedly with a neutral stimulus until it acquires the capacity to elicit a similar response. The subject learns to give a response it already knows to a new stimulus.
Stimulus
A change in the environment that elicits a response.
Neutral Stimulus
A stimulus that initially does not elicit a response.
Unconditional Response
Reflexively, or automatically, brings about the unconditioned response.
Conditioned Stimulus
A neutral stimulus at first, but when paired with the UCS, it elicits the conditioned response.
Acquisition
In classical conditioning, learning to give a known response to a new stimulus, the neutral stimulus.
Extinction
Repeatedly presenting a CS without a USC leads to return of the NS.
Spontaneous Recovery
After extinction, and without training, the previous CS suddenly elicits the CR again temporarily.
Generalization
Stimuli similar to the CS also elicit the CR without training.
Discrimination
The ability to tell the difference between stimuli so that only the CS elicits the CR.
Higher-Order Conditioning
Classical conditioning in which a well learned CS is paired with a NS to produce a CR to the NS.
Averse Conditioning
Learning involving an unpleasant or harmful stimulus or reinforcer.
Avoidance Behavior
Takes away the unpleasant stimulus before it begins.
Escape Behavior
Takes away the unpleasant stimulus after it has already started.
Instrumental learning
Associative learning in which a behavior becomes more or less probable depending on its consequences.
Law of effect
Behaviors followed by positive consequences are strengthened while behaviors followed by annoying/negative consequences are weakened.
Operant conditioning
Learning that occurs when an active learner performs certain voluntary behavior, and the consequences of the behavior determine the likelihood of its recurrence.
Positive reinforcement
A rewarding consequence that follows a voluntary behavior thereby increasing the probability the behavior will be repeated.
Primary reinforcer
Something that is biologically important and thus rewarding.
Secondary reinforcer
Something rewarding bc it is associated with a primary reinforcer.
Generalized reinforcer
Secondary reinforcer associated with a number of different primary reinforcers.
Punishment
An aversive consequence that follows a voluntary behavior thereby decreasing the probability the behavior will be repeated.
Premack Principle
A more probable behavior can be used as a reinforcer for a less probable one.
Negative reinforcement
Removal of an aversive consequence that follows a voluntary behavior thereby increasing the probability the behavior will be repeated (escape and avoidance).
Omission Training
Removal of a rewarding consequence that follows a voluntary behavior thereby decreasing the probability that the behavior will be repeated.
Shaping
Positively reinforcing closer and closer approximations of a desirable behavior to teach a new behavior.
Chaining
Establishes a specific sequence of behaviors by initially positively reinforcing each behavior in a desired sequence and then later rewarding only the completed sequence.
Continuous Reinforcement
Schedule that provides reinforcement following the particular behavior every time it’s exhibited.
Partial Reinforcement
Occasional reinforcement of a particular behavior. Produces response that is more resistant to extinction.
Fixed Ratio
Reinforcement of a particular behavior after a specific number of responses.
Variable Ratio
Reinforcement of a particular behavior after a number of responses that changes at random around an average number.
Variable Interval
Reinforcement of the first particular response made after a length of time that changes at random around an average time period.
Behavior Modification
A field that applies the behavioral approach scientifically to solve problems.
Instinctive Drift
A conditioned response that moves toward the natural behavior of the organism.
Latent learning
Learning in the absence of rewards.
Insight
The sudden appearance of an answer to a problem.
Learning
A relatively permanent change in behavior as a result of experience.
