Learning and Conditioning Flashcards
What is Classical Conditioning?
(Pavlovian Conditioning)
* Type of learning that involves 2 distinct stimuli
* Typically involves an environmental stimulus and a natural, reflexive response
What is an Unconditioned Stimulus?
- Stimulus that naturally triggers a response
- Example: Air blowing into eye
What is an Unconditioned Response?
- Natural response to an unconditioned stimulus
- Blinking after air is blown into the eye
What is a Conditioned Stimulus?
- A previously neutral stimulus that through repeated association comes to trigger a conditioned response
- Example: A beep being played before air is about to come out
What is a Conditioned Response?
- A learned response to a Conditioned Stimulus
- Blinking after the beep is played but no air comes out
What is Operant Conditioning?
(Instrumental Conditioning)
* Type of learning that involves behaviors and their consequences
* Learned associations between actions and outcomes
What is Positive Reinforcement?
A desired stimulus is introduced or added following a behavior
* Increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated
* Example: Giving a student a treat after completing homework
What is Negative Reinforcement?
An unpleasant stimulus is removed or avoided following a behavior
* Increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated
* Example: Fastening seatbelt to avoid seatbelt alarm going off
What is a Positive Punishment?
Aversive/unpleasant stimulus is presented or added following a behavior
* Decreases likelihood of a behavior being repeated
* Example: Scolding a child for misbehaving
What is a Negative Punishment?
A desirable stimulus is taken away or avoided following a behavior
* Decreases likelihood of a behavior being repeated
* Example: Taking away a teenager’s phone for breaking rules
