Learning Flashcards
Acquisition
The initial stage of the learning/conditioning process, during which the tendency to show a new conditioned response is formed.
Aversion therapy
A behaviour therapy based on principles of classical conditioning, which involves pairing an aversive or unpleasant stimulus with a maladaptive behaviour in an attempt to suppress that behaviour.
Behaviour modification
The application of the principles of operant conditioning to change undesired/problematic behaviours. Positive reinforcement is used because it is more effective in encouraging the desired behaviour.
Classical conditioning
A process of learning, in which a subject learns to respond in a desired way to a previously neutral stimulus, that has been repeatedly paired with an unconditioned stimulus that elicts the desired response.
Conditioned response
The learned response to a conditioned stimulus.
Conditioned stimulus
A previously neutral stimulus that after association with an unconditioned stimulus comes to produce a conditioned response.
[Stimulus] Contiguity
A behaviourist concept that states for learning to occur, the response must occur in the presence of, or very soon after, a stimulus is presented.
- No more than 0.5 seconds
Contingency
The principle that learning will occur only if one event appears to be dependent on or conditioned by something else.
- No probability = Do not learn
- Pairings increase = Strength of association increases between the CS and UCS
Extinction
A reduction or loss in strength of a conditioned response when the unconditioned stimulus or reinforcement is withheld.
Learning
A lasting change in behaviour or potential for behaviour that results from experience.
Observational learning
Occurs when a new behaviour or new information is learned vicariously by watching the actions of others and the consequences they experience.
Operant conditioning
Learning that occurs in the context of experiences, or avoiding, rewards or punishments contingent upon performing a behaviour.
- We repeat actions that produce favourable results
- We avoid actions that produce unpleasant results
Punishment
The application of an unpleasant stimulus or penalty that represses a behaviour.
Fixed ratio schedule
An operant conditioning reinforcement schedule where an organism must undertake a certain number of operant responses in order to receive reinforcement.
Variable ratio schedule
A type of operant conditioning reinforcement schedule where the reinforcement is given after an unpredictable (variable) number of responses are made by the organism.
Reinforcement
Any process that increases the frequency of a desired behaviour.
Continuous reinforcement
Reinforcement after every correct response in operant conditioning.
Intermittent/partial reinforcement
Reinforcement after only some correct responses in operant conditioning.
Primary reinforcers + Example
Unlearned stimuli which have the capacity to reinforce operant responses by satisfying physiological or biological needs.
Example: Food for a hungry person
Secondary/conditioned reinforcers + Example
A previously neutral stimulus that has become reinforcing to an organism through association with another reinforcer.
Example: Money can be exchanged for ice-cream
Shaping
A technique used in operant conditioning, in which the behaviour is modified by stepwise reinforcement of behaviours that produce progressively closer approximations of the desired behaviour.
Spontaneous recovery
The recurrence of a previously extinguished response without reinforcement.
Variable interval schedule
A type of operant conditioning reinforcement schedule where the reinforcement is given to a response after a specific, unpredictable amount of time has passed.
Fixed interval schedule
An operant conditioning reinforcement schedule where an organism will be reinforced for a response only after a fixed time interval.
Stimulus discrimination
The ability to distinguish a particular stimulus from other, similar stimuli and react to it.
Stimulus generalisation
The transfer of a response learned to one stimulus to a similar stimulus.
Systematic desensitisation
A behaviour therapy, based on the principles of classical conditioning, which involves a gradual process of eliminating a learned fear or phobia. It involves the client working through a hierarchy of fear-evoking stimuli, whilst in a state of deep relaxation.