Learning Theory Flashcards
UCS
a stimulus that elicits a reflexive innate response without prior learning
UCR
a reflexive innate response that is elicited by a stimulus (UCS) without prior learning
CS
a stimulus that, through association with an UCS, comes to elicit a conditioned response similar to the UCR
CR
a response that is elicited by a conditioned stimulus
Extinction
a process in which the CS is presented repeatedly in the absence of the UCS, causing the CR to weaken and eventually disappear
Stimulus generalisation
stimuli similar to the initial CS elicit a CR
Discrimination
a CR occurs in the presence of one stimulus but not others
Classical conditioning
A process that creates an association between a pre-existing stimulus and a previously neutral one
Operant conditioning
A process by which behaviour is learned and maintained as a result of the consequences that follow it (reinforcement or punishment)
Higher order conditioning
occurs when an NS becomes a CS after being paired with an already established CR
Classical strongest when
Repeated CS-UCS pairings
UCS = more intense
Time between UCS & CS = short
Sequence involves forward pairing
Primary and secondary reinforcer
Primary reinforcers: stimuli, such as food and water, that an organism finds naturally reinforcing because they satisfy basic biological needs
· Secondary reinforcers: stimuli that acquire reinforcing properties through their association with primary reinforcer
Positive and negative reinforcement
· Positive reinforcement: occurs when a response is strengthened by the subsequent presentation of a stimulus
· Negative reinforcement: occurs when a response is strengthened by the avoidance/removal of an aversive stimulus
Punishment and punisher
Punishment: a response is weakened by the outcome that follows it.
· Punisher: a consequence that weakens (decreases) the frequency of a response.
Operant extinction
the weakening and eventual disappearance of a response because it is no longer reinforced.
Schedules of partial reinforcement
- Fixed Interval: reinforcement occurs at a fixed time interval à activity increases as deadline nears
- Variable Interval: time interval varies at random around an average à steady activity results
- Fixed Ratio: reinforcement is given after a fixed number of responses à activity slows after reinforcement & then picks up
- Variable Ratio: reinforcement is given after a variable number of responses, all centered around an average à greatest activity of all schedules
- Continuous Reinforcement: every instance of behaviour is reinforced
- More rapid learning with continuous reinforcement, as association is easier to understand
- Behaviour extinguishes more rapidly than partially reinforced response as the shift to no reinforcement is sudden and obvious
Observational learning
we observe the behaviours of others and the consequences of those behaviours
Vicarious learning
if their behaviours are reinforced we tend to imitate those behaviours
Successful modelling involves
ATTENTION, RETENTION, PRODUCTION & MOTIVATION
I. Pay attention to the model
II. Remember what was done
III. Must be able to reproduce the modelled behaviour
IV. If successful behaviour is rewarded, behaviour is more likely to occur
Studies key to learning theory
Pavlovs dog, Watson and rayon little Albert and bandora bobo doll.
Pavlov’s Dogs
· Study on Classical conditioning
Watson & Raynor (1920) Little Albert Experiment
· Study done into classical conditioning and learning fear
Bandura (1961) Bobo Doll Experiment
· Study into observational (social) learnin