Learning Theory Flashcards
What are the assumptions?
-All behaviour is learned from experience and therefore can be changed.
• Only measurable and observable behaviour should be considered.
• It is useful to study animals to understand behaviour as the same processes produce learning for both humans and other animals
-You are born as tabula rasa
What is classical conditioning?
Learning through association- two stimulate together to produce the same response
what happens before learning?
(UCS) produces a reflex response called an unconditioned response. A stimulus that produces no response is called a neutral stimulus (NS)
What happens during learning?
A neutral stimulus (NS) is paired with an unconditioned stimulus (UCS) i.e. they both occur together. The unconditioned response (UCR) occurs in response to the UCS
What happens after learning?
Through associating the NS with the UCS, the NS now elicits (produces) the same response.
This response is now referred to as the (CR). The NS is now called the (CS).
what did pavlov discover when researching digestion in dogs? (using designed apparatus to measure salivation)
When he entered the room, the dogs salivation increased whereas initially the dog would only salivate in the presence of food
How did Pavlov investigate why this happened?
ringing a bell (NS) at the same time as -presenting food to the dog (UCS).
-dog would salivate in response to the food (UCR).
-found that following repeated ‘pairings’ of the (NS) and (UCS), when he rang the bell without any food being present (CS), the dog still salivated (CR).
-Pavlov was able to show that through the learning of an ‘association’ between two stimuli (NS + UCS) a ‘conditioned response’ (CR) can be produced. Pavlov’s findings led to the theory of classical conditioning.
What did Pablo discover once the animal has been conditioned?
once an animal has been conditioned, they will also respond to other stimuli that are similar to the CS. (stimulus generalisation)
what is extinction?
unlike the UCR, the CR does not become permanently established as a response. After a few presentations of the CS in the absence of the UCS, it loses its ability to produce the CR.
what is a operant conditioning?
This is learning by consequence.
What is operant conditioning?
This is learning by consequence.
What is reinforcement?
-one way in which learning by consequence’ occurs.
- strengthens learning, increasing the frequency of behaviour.
What is positive reinforcement?
Something rewarding is gained as a result of performing a behaviour, so the frequency of the behaviour increases.
What is an example of positive reinforcement?
-as a consequence of doing well in a test a student gains a sense of pride; this increases the frequency of revising well in future.
What is negative reinforcement?
Something unpleasant is removed or avoided as a result of performing a behaviour, so the frequency of the behaviour increases.
