Learning Theory

Question 1

Classical conditioning

Answer 1

Stimulus-response associations
Pavlov’s dogs

UCS -> UCR
NS + UCS -> UCR
CS -> CR

Question 2

Operant conditioning

Answer 2

Learning associations between behaviour and its consequences
Skinner’s box
Antecedent stimulus - behaviours - consequences

Consequences of behaviour:
1. reinforcement - strengthens behaviour
positive - presentation of desirable stimulus
negative - removal of an undesirable/aversive stimulus
2. punishment - weakens behaviour
positive - presentation of undesirable stimulus
negative - removal of desirable stimulus

Question 3

Temporal contiguity

Answer 3

Makes conditioning more effective (close in time)

Question 4

Generalisation

Answer 4

Conditioned behaviour transfers to antecedent situations/stimuli that are similar to original trained one

Question 5

Extinction

Answer 5

Gradual decrease in behaviour until no longer produces

Occurs when behaviour is no longer associated with its consequences

Question 6

Shaping

Answer 6

Reinforcement of successive approximations to the desired behaviour
Break desired behaviour into series of simpler steps
Start training simple behaviours and build up gradually to more complex ones

Question 7

Management of behaviour/clinical problems

Answer 7

Systematic desensitisation
Virtual reality therapy
CBT