Learning - Key Terms

Question 1

Define learning

Answer 1

A relatively permanent change in behaviour due to experience

Question 2

Define classical conditioning

Answer 2

Learning through association (learning to associate a reflex response with a new stimulus)

Question 3

Define classical conditioning schedule

Answer 3

The steps in the procedure to condition a new response

Question 4

Define unconditioned stimulus

Answer 4

The stimulus that produces a reflex response

Question 5

Define unconditioned response

Answer 5

The reflex response to an unconditioned stimulus

Question 6

Define conditioned stimulus

Answer 6

A new stimulus presented alongside the unconditioned stimulus

Question 7

Define conditioned response

Answer 7

The response that is learnt and now occurs when the conditioned stimulus is presented alone

Question 8

Define extinction

Answer 8

A conditioned response dies out

Question 9

Define spontaneous recovery

Answer 9

A conditioned response that has disappeared suddenly appears again

Question 10

Define generalisation

Answer 10

The conditioned response is produced when a similar stimulus to the original conditioned stimulus is presented

Question 11

Define discrimination

Answer 11

The conditioned response is only produced when a specific stimulus is presented

Question 12

Define operant conditioning

Answer 12

Learning through consequences of behaviour

Question 13

Define law of effect

Answer 13

Behaviours that are followed by a positive consequences (e.g. reward) are likely to be repeated; those that are punished are not usually repeated

Question 14

Define punishment

Answer 14

A stimulus that weakens behaviour because it is unpleasant and we try to avoid it

Question 15

Define reinforcement

Answer 15

A consequence of behaviour that encourages or strengthens behaviour; this might be seen as a reward

Question 16

Define positive reinforcement

Answer 16

A pleasant consequence of behaviour that increases the likelihood of the behaviour being repeated

Question 17

Define negative reinforcement

Answer 17

An unpleasant experience is removed after a behaviour or action is made, therefore increasing the likelihood of the behaviour being repeated

Question 18

Define behaviour shaping

Answer 18

Involves changing behaviour in small steps using reinforcement

Question 19

Define phobia

Answer 19

A persistent and irrational fear of an object, activity or situation
The typical symptoms are intense feelings of fear and anxiety to avoid the object, activity or situation

Question 20

Define flooding

Answer 20

A treatment for phobias that involves the immediate exposure of the person to the feared object, activity or event, until there is no fear response

Question 21

Define systematic desensitisation

Answer 21

A treatment for phobias in which the person is taught to relax and then is gradually exposed to the feared object, activity or event

Question 22

Define hierarchy of fears

Answer 22

A series of feared events ranks from least to most frightening

Question 23

Define aversion therapy

Answer 23

A treatment of addictions, such as drug and alcohol dependency, which makes the addict have an extremely negative reaction (e.g. vomit) to the addictive substance

Question 24

Define primary reinforcer

Answer 24

A reward, such as food or water, that the animal or person needs in order to survive

Question 24

Define secondary reinforcer

Answer 24

A reward, such as money or a token, that the animal or person can exchange for a primary reinforcer