Lecture 2 F

Question 1

Define learning

Answer 1

A change in the potential for behaviour due to experience

Question 2

Non-associative learning

Answer 2

Habituation

Sensitisation

Question 3

Define non-associative learning

Answer 3

A modification in behaviour toward a single stimulus as a result of its intrinsic impact

Question 4

What are the types of Associative learning

Answer 4

Classical (conditioning)

Operant

Question 5

Types of cognitive processes

Answer 5

Reasoning

Deduction

Question 6

Define habituation

Answer 6

A reduction in the strength of a reflex response as a result of the repeated exposure to a stimulus which elicits that response

Question 7

Give an example of habituation

Answer 7

1. Snail moving along a wooden surface
2. The experimenter taps on the surface
3. The snail immediately withdraws into shell
4. Tap is repeated at regular intervals
5. Briefer withdrawal response until no effect on snails behaviour
6. Habituation has occurred

Question 8

Define Sensitisation

Answer 8

An increase in the strength of a reflex response as a result of the repeated exposure to a stimulus which elicits that response

Question 9

Give an example of sensitisation

Answer 9

1. A worm if fed at regular intervals
2. It becomes progressively more likely to respond to any novel stimulus
   e. g a change in illumination provokes food seeking movements

Question 10

What is associative learning

Answer 10

Learning about that association or relationship between 2 events

Question 11

What is an unconditioned stimulus

Answer 11

Typically events that are important for survival (e.g rats show a unconditioned fear response to fox feces )

Question 12

What is a conditioned stimulus

Answer 12

Any stimulus that is regularly paired with an unconditioned stimulus (e.g sound, light, action)

Question 13

Define operant learning (instrumental learning)

Answer 13

Experiences whereby behaviour is strengthened or weakened by its consequences

Question 14

What is appetitive?

Answer 14

Something desirable (reinforcer)

Question 15

What is aversive?

Answer 15

Something undesirable (punisher)

Question 16

Types of operant procedures

Answer 16

1. Positive punishment (+ to - behaviour)
2. Positive reinforcement (+ to + behaviour)
3. Negative punishment (- to - behaviour)
4. Negative reinforcement (- to + behaviour)

Question 17

What are the laws of association?

Answer 17

1. Contiguity (closeness of events in space or time)
2. Frequency (greater frequency strengthens association)
3. Intensity of stimulus (greater intensity strengthens association)

Question 18

The ease with which an association is formed is affected by what?

Answer 18

Frequency
Contiguity
Emotionality
Contingency (Of the paring)

Question 19

What are the types of reinforcers

Answer 19

Primary (unconditioned reinforcement)

Secondary (conditioned reinforcement) - must be paired with a primary to acquire value

Question 20

What are the two types of contiguity

Answer 20

Spatial contiguity
(Distance in space between two events)

Temporal contiguity
(The distance in time separating two events)