Learning

Question 1

Learning definition, function

Answer 1

a relatively permanent change in behavior that results from experience serves an adaptive and intelligent function

Question 2

Types of learning

Answer 2

1. classical conditioning 2. operant conditioning 3. cognitive learning

Question 3

Learning =_______

Answer 3

conditioning

Question 4

Who was Ivan Pavlov?

Answer 4

-he studied salivation and digestive processes in dogs -was not a psychologist instead physiologist -stumbled upon principles of classical conditioning (learned behavior is shaped through conditioning process)

Question 5

Classical conditioning definition, allows us to, involves what processes (in general)

Answer 5

a learning response that involves a reflexive response to one stimulus becomes linked to another stimulus; a reflexive response to a stimulus is transferred to a related, NS -allows us to link items together and anticipate events -stimulus–> response (like behaviorism)

Question 6

US

Answer 6

unconditioned stimulus a stimulus that produces a unlearned, automatic response (reflexive action)

Question 7

UR

Answer 7

unconditioned response the unlearned, automatic response (reflexive action) to US

Question 8

NS

Answer 8

neutral stimulus -a stimulus on its own that evokes no response prior to conditioning -any response to this stimulus must be learned

Question 9

CS

Answer 9

conditioned stimulus - a NS that has become associated with a US that evokes a UR -CS is the NS that now can produce a similar UR (CR) without US -a stimulus we have learned to respond to

Question 10

CR

Answer 10

conditioned response -a learned response to CS -similar response of UR - a response we have learned to make

Question 11

Acquisition

Answer 11

the processes of linking a NS with a US until NS by itself can trigger the UR -The NS “acquires” properties of US

Question 12

What happens after classical conditioning?

Answer 12

1) extinction -the disappearance or weakening of CR to CS by following removal of US 2) spontaneous recovery -reappearance of CR (learned response) after extinction has occurred bc learning is RELATIVELY permanent

Question 13

Little Albert conditioning NS US UR CS CR

Answer 13

NS=white rat US= loud noise UR= fear CS=white rat CR=fear

Question 14

Phenomena after classical conditioning

Answer 14

1) generalization -associating stimuli similar to CS as the CS; things similar to CS will cause a similar response 2) discrimination -the ability to distinguish between CS and unrelated stimuli; not associating stimuli that are dissimilar to CS with CS

Question 15

Before conditioning

Answer 15

US—-> UR NS—-> not UR

Question 16

During conditioning

Answer 16

US+NS—–> UR where acquisition occurs

Question 17

After conditioning

Answer 17

CS——->CR *US is removed *NS becomes CS *CR is UR

Question 18

Classical conditioning vs operant conditioning

Answer 18

Classical conditioning: learning results from association between stimuli we have no control over; involves respondent behavior-automatic responses to stimulus Operant conditioning: learning results from association between behavior and consequences; involves reward and punishment -outcomes generated by behavior

Question 19

Elaborate on consequences in operant conditioning

Answer 19

it is neutral in a sense; the outcome can be positive or negative

Question 20

Edward Thorndike what did he study, what he wanted to know, what did he invent, what did this inspire, developed what and in general what is it)

Answer 20

-he studied the behavior in cats -he wanted to know how cats solved problems -he invented 5he “puzzle box” -this inspired the “Skinner’s box” -he developed the LAW OF EFFECT: behavior that is rewarded tends to be repeated

Question 21

Law of Effect (discovered by, components of law)

Answer 21

• discovered by Thorndike -frequency of behavioral response depends on consequences
  1) reinforcement
• responses that have a satisfying consequence will more likely to be strengthened and more likely to occur again
  2) Punishment
• responses that lead to discomfort are weakened and less likey to occur again

Question 22

B.F. Skinner

(what did he discover)

Answer 22

• discovered operant conditioning
• organisms learn responses that operate on the environment to produce consequences

Punshiment: decrease behavior

reinforcement: increase behavior

also discovered radical behaviorim

• all behavior is a result of its enviroment
• free will is an illusion

Question 23

Why are responses “operant”?

Answer 23

responses operate on stimuli on the environment

-concerned with the effect of consequences on behavior

Question 24

Reinforcers

Answer 24

Stimuli or events that increase the likelihood that the behavior it follows will be repeated again

if you like it, youll do it again

Question 25

Discrimitative Stimulus

Answer 25

• a principle for operant conditioning
• a cue that signals that reinforcement is available if a particular response is made
• lets you know when you can do behavior

Question 26

Types of reinforcement

definition and examples

Answer 26

Positive reinforcement: reinforcement by adding something pleasant

do a trick get a treat

Negative reinforcement: reinforcement by removing something unpleasant

stop noise by putting on seatbelt

Question 27

Types of Reinforcer

Answer 27

1) primary reinforcer
- something innately satisfying-no learning requires

similar to US

2) secondary reinforcer
- a stimulus with learned value
- similar to CS

Question 28

When is reinforcement delivered?

Answer 28

1) continuous reinforcement
- every response is reinforced
2) partial reinforcement
- only portion of responses are reinforced

Question 29

2 types of partial reinforcement

Answer 29

1) ratio schedules: fixed or variable
- based on response
2) interval schedules: fixed or variable
- based on time

Question 30

Fixed ratio schedule

definiton, effect, examples

Answer 30

reinforcement follows a fixed number of operant responses

effect: pause in behavior after reward
e. g lifitng weights, factory worker

Question 31

Variable ratio schedule

definiton, effect, examples

Answer 31

Reinforcement is delivered follwoing an average number of operant responses

effect: steady rate of responding

E.g. 777

Question 32

Fixed interval schdeule

definiton, effect, examples

Answer 32

Reinforcemnt delivered after a fixed amount of time after inital response

effect: response rate increases as reinforcer appraches
e. g holidays, birthdays, dental appts

Question 33

variable interval schedule

definiton, effect, examples

Answer 33

reinforcement delivered an average amount of time after initial response

effect: regular rate of response
e. g pop quiz

Question 34

Punishment

definition

Answer 34

consequence that weakens or suppresses a response

Question 35

Types of punishment

definiton, examples

Answer 35

Postive punishment:

• introduction of adversive (negative) stimulus
  e. g spanking

Negative punishment:

removal of desired (postive) stimulus

e.g. grounding

Question 36

Reinforcement vs punishment in general

Answer 36

Reinforcment:

Strengthen behavior

+ reinforcement = add/get something good

• reinforcment= lose something bad

Punishment:

weakens behavior

+ punishemnt: add/get something bad

• punishment: lose something good

Question 37

Behavior: you mouth off to someone bigger than you at a bar

Consequnce: you get punched in the face

Answer 37

postive punishment

Question 38

Behavior: you fail all your courses

Consequence: you get kicked off football team

Answer 38

negative punishment

Question 39

Drawbacks of punishment

Answer 39

• may suppress behavior but will not eliminate it
• may become abusive
• may represent a form of inappropriate modeling
• does not teach new behavior
• can have unexpected and undesirable consequences