Models to explain learning Flashcards
Classical conditioning
A type of learning that occurs through repeated association of two or more different stimuli.
Neutral stimulus (NS)
An object or event that does not produce a response, however later becomes the CS due to association with UCS.
Conditioned stimulus (CS)
Stimulus that produces the learned response - was originally the NS.
Unconditioned stimulus (UCS)
Stimulus that produces a naturally occurring, automatic response.
Conditioned response (CR)
The learned response to the CS.
Unconditioned response (UCR)
The response that automatically occurs when the UCS is presented.
What are the 3 phases of conditioning?
Phase 1: Before conditioning
Phase 2: During conditioning
Phase 3: After conditioning
Phase 1: Before conditioning
the NS produces no response, and the UCS produces the UCR.
Phase 2: During conditioning
NS is repeatedly paired with UCS to produce UCR.
Phase 3: After conditioning
NS becomes the CS, the CS produces the CR.
Classical conditioning - Stimulus generalisation
A stimulus that is similar to the CS producing a response that is similar to the CR.
Classical conditioning - Stimulus discriminiation
When a person response to the CS only, and not to any stimulus that is similar to the CS.
Classical conditioning - extinction
The gradual decrease in the strength of the CR that occurs when the UCS is no longer presented.
Classical conditioning - spontaneous recovery
The reappearance of the CR when the CS is presented following a rest period after extinction.
Little Albert experiment
- who conducted it
- NS, UCS, UCR, CS, CR
John B. Watson
NS = white rat
UCS = loud noise
UCR = crying
CS = white rat
CR = crying
Ethical implications of Little Albert experiment
Informed consent - Alberts mother may not have known that her son was being used to condition a fear response.
Withdrawal rights - the experimenters made no attempt to end the experiment after little albert showed signs of severe stress and anxiety.
Psychological harm - Albert was most likely psychologically traumatised.
What are the 3 Operant conditioning phases?
- Antecedent
- Behaviour
- Consequence
Operant conditioning - Antecedent
An environmental stimulus that prompts the relevant behaviour.
Operant conditioning - Behaviour
Occurs due to the antecedent; what are they doing?
Operant conditioning - Consequences
Occurs due to the behaviour - it increases or decreases the likelihood of future behaviour.
Reinforcement
Any event that strengthens or increases the likelihood of a particular response occurring.
Reinforcer
Specifically refers to stimulus.
Punishment
The delivery of an unpleasant consequence following a response, or the removal of a pleasant consequence in order to weaken a response.
Positive reinforcement
Adding/giving a desirable stimulus that strengthens or increases the likelihood of a desired response.
Negative reinforcement
The removal of an unpleasant stimulus, increasing the likelihood of a desired response.
Positive punishment
The delivery of an unpleasant stimulus following an undesirable response that decreases the likelihood of a response occurring again.
Negative punishment/Response cost
The removal or loss of a pleasant stimulus that decreases the likelihood of a response occurring again.
Operant conditioning - Stimulus generalisation
When the correct response is made to another stimulus that is similar to the stimulus that was present when the conditioned response was reinforced.
Operant conditioning - Stimulus discrimination
When an organism makes the correct response to a stimulus and is reinforced, but does not respond to similar stimuli.
Operant conditioning - Extinction
The gradual decrease in the strength of the conditioned response following consistent non-reinforcement of the response.
Operant conditioning - Spontaneous recovery
The reappearance of a conditioned response following a rest period after its apparent extinction.
Classical conditioning + Operant conditioning
- Differences
Classical conditioning
- involuntary response
- learner is a passive participant
Operant conditioning
- voluntary response
- learner is an active participant
Observational learning stages
Attention
Retention
Reproduction
Motivation
Reinforcement
Observational learning - Attention
Learner pays attention in order to observe modelled behaviour.
Observational learning - Retention
Learner mentally represents and retains what has been observed.
Observational learning - Reproduction
Depending on their physical capabilities, learner converts the mental representation into action.
Observational learning - Motivation
Learner must be motivated to reproduce what has been observed.
Observational learning - Reinforcement
Reinforcement influences motivation to perform the observed behaviour.
Types of reinforcement
External reinforcement
Vicarious reinforcement
Self-reinforcement
External reinforcement
Learning by consequences directly experienced from the model.
Vicarious reinforcement
Indirectly being reinforced by observing the modelled behaviour without experiencing it.
Self-reinforcement
Reinforced by meeting certain standards of performance we set for ourselves.
