Learning Theory

Question 1

What is classical conditioning

Answer 1

Classical conditioning (also known as Pavlovian or respondent conditioning) is a learning process in which an innate response to a potent stimulus comes to be elicited in response to a previously neutral stimulus; this is achieved by repeated pairings of the neutral stimulus with the potent stimulus
Its a behavioural modification to a previously neutral response

Question 2

Give an example of classical conditioning

Answer 2

An individual has become sick from chemotherapy drugs. That is a direct effect from drugs –> vomit. Now when the individual goes to the chemo clinic this elicits a vomiting response. A previously neutral stimulus is parked with a potent stimulus. (pavlovs dogs with the bell and salivation too).

Question 3

What is operant conditioning

Answer 3

That learning occurs via reinforcements and punishments

Question 4

What is a reinforcer

Answer 4

increases the likelihood of the behaviour occurring again

Question 5

What is a punisher

Answer 5

decreases the likelihood of the behaviour occurring again

Question 6

What is a negative reinforcer

Answer 6

A negative reinforcer is when something is taken away. An example of this is when there is a mother nagging to empty the dishwasher. The negative reinforcement is that the nagging will stop when the dishwasher is emptied.

Question 7

What is a positive reinforcer

Answer 7

This is when something is given and is more likely that the one who has received the reinforcement will do the behaviour again. The reinforcement given could be a toy, nodding, clapping etc. Food in training a dog is a positive reinforcer. The dog does something good and so it gets the food. The dog is therefore more likely to do it again.

Question 8

What are the guidelines for positive reinforcement?

Answer 8

Immediacy
Description
Continuous
Powerful

Question 9

What is an example of a negative punisher

Answer 9

Taking the mobile phone away from the teenager because they did something they weren’t supposed to do
Parking fine - they’ll take your money because you parked in the wrong place

Question 10

What is an example of a positive punisher

Answer 10

A smack given when the child has been naughty

Question 11

What are the disadvantages of punishment?

Answer 11

MEEAAN
Modelling bad/aggressive behaviour
Escape - may try to avoid the punisher
Emotional response - depression, anxiety
Aggression and anti-social behaviour for those who are punished
Addictive - is an instant response, easy method, needs more to work = abuse
New behaviour - only teaches them what they have done wrong and what not to do, they are less likely to be sponteanous in other areas.