Lecture 11 - Classical and operant conditioning Flashcards
What are the main principles of classical conditioning?
The main principles of classical conditioning include:
- acquisition
- extinction
- spontaneous recovery
- generalization
- discrimination
define classical conditioning
classical conditioning is when a previously neutral stimulus elicits the same response as another stimulus after repeatedly being paired together
What is acquisition in classical conditioning?
Acquisition is the process where a conditioned response (CR) is gradually acquired by repeatedly pairing the unconditioned stimulus (UCS) and conditioned stimulus (CS). early learning involves rapid changes in the CR, which then level off as it approaches as asymptote
How does the timing of the CS and UCS affect acquisition?
the rate and strength of the conditioned response depend on the timing of the CS and UCS. Learning is most efficient when the CS is presented shortly before the UCS. Backward conditioning, where the UCS is presented before the CS, is often ineffective.
what is extinction in classical conditioning?
Extinction occurs when the conditioned response (CR) reduces in strength and eventually disappears if the CS is repeatedly presented without the UCS
What is spontaneous recovery?
Spontaneous recovery is the reappearance of a previously extinguished conditioned response (CR) after a rest period without any new learning trials
What are generalization and discrimination in classical conditioning?
- generalization: Stimuli similar to the CS tend to elicit the same CR and the CS
- discrimination: the ability to distinguish between the CS and other dissimilar stimuli that do not elicit the CR
How is classical conditioning applied in advertising?
advertisers pair their products (CS) with an unconditioned stimulus (UCS) to elicit the same positive feelings or thoughts as the UCS, such as refreshment, enjoyment, attractiveness, luxury, or safety.
Describe the Little Albert experiment conducted by John B. Watson
In the Little Albert experiment, Watson showed that fears could be learned behaviors.
Little Albert was initially unafraid of a rat (neutral stimulus), but after repeatedly pairing the rat with a loud noise (UCS), Albert developed a fear (CR) of the rate and similar stimuli
How can classical conditioning be used to treat phobias?
Behavioral treatments for phobias involve extinction of the unwanted CR by gradually exposing the person to the feared stimulus without any negative consequences, often using techniques such as systematic desensitization
define operant conditioning
operant conditioning is a type of learning where behavior is influenced by the consequences that follow, such as rewards (reinforcement) or punishments
What is the difference between reinforcement and punishment in operant conditioning?
- reinforcement: an outcome that increases the strength, frequency, or probability of a behavior
- punishment: an outcome that decreases the strength, frequency, or probability of a behavior
What are some familiar principles of conditioning shared by both classical and operant conditioning?
- common principles include extinction (eliminating a behavior by no longer delivering reinforcement)
- spontaneous recovery (re-emergency of a behavior after a period without reinforcement)
- generalization/discrimination (whether a behavior is emitted in response to similar stimuli)
How does the schedule of reinforcement affect learning in operant conditioning?
- continuous reinforcement: every instance of the behavior is reinforced, leading to faster learning but weaker persistence
- partial reinforcement: only some instance of the behavior are reinforced, leading to more robust learning that is harder to extinguish (Humphrey’s Paradox)
How is shaping used in animal training?
Shaping involves reinforcing behaviors that vaguely approximate the target behavior and gradually restricting reinforcement to behaviors that are increasingly similar to the target behavior, eventually leading to the desired complex behavior
How can operant conditioning maintain superstitious behaviors?
Superstitious behaviors can be maintained through positive and negative reinforcement when an organism believes that certain behaviors are associated with outcomes, even if there is no actual causal relationship.
