Models to Explain Learning

Question 1

Define • Conditioning

Answer 1

process of learning associations between a stimulus in the environment & a behavioural response

Question 2

Define • Stimulus

Answer 2

any object or event that produces a response from an organism

Question 3

Define classical conditioning

Answer 3

• Type of learning occurring through repeated association of two stimuli

Question 4

What is the criteria for classical conditioning to have taken place

Answer 4

• Learning has only taken place when a particular stimulus consistently produces a repose that it did not previously produce

Question 5

Define • Stimulus generalisation

Answer 5

tendency for other stimulus similar to original conditioned stimulus to produce a response similar to conditioned response

Question 6

Define • Stimulus discrimination

Answer 6

occurs when a person/animal responds to the conditioned stimulus only and not other stimulus similar to conditioned stimulus

Question 7

Define • Extinction

Answer 7

gradual decrease in strength/rate of a conditioned response occurring when the unconditioned stimulus is no longer present

Question 8

Define • Spontaneous recovery

Answer 8

reappearance of conditioned response when the conditioned stimulus is presented, following a rest period

Question 9

What did the little albert experiment involve

Answer 9

• Baby with no fear of white rats/related animals
• When touching the white rat a painful sound was sounded (metal bar clang)
• Caused Albert to fear white rats and related animals

Question 10

Define operant conditioing

Answer 10

Type of learning where behaviour has consequences determining likelihood that it will be performed in the future

Question 11

Define • Antecedent stimulus

Answer 11

precedes specific behaviour, signals the probable consequence for the behaviour & influences occurrence of the behaviour

Question 12

Define • Behaviour

Answer 12

voluntary action, occurs in presence of the antecedent stimulus

Question 13

Define Consequence

Answer 13

environmental event occurring immediately after the behaviour & has an effect on occurrence of the behaviour

Question 14

What are the 2 types of operant conditioning consequences

Answer 14

Reinforcement and Punishment

Question 15

What is Response cost

Answer 15

not caused by the behaviour but is used as a punishment

Question 16

Define observational learning

Answer 16

• When someone used observation of a model’s actions & the consequences of those actions to guide their own future actions

Question 17

Define • Vicarious learning

Answer 17

experienced through someone else

Question 18

Define • Vicarious reinforcement

Answer 18

increased likelihood of the observer behaving in a similar way to a model whose behaviour is reinforced

Question 19

Define • Vicarious punishment

Answer 19

likelihood of observer performing behaviour decreases after seeing a model’s behaviour being punished

Question 20

What are the steps of observational learning

Answer 20

• Attention
• Retention
• Reproduction
• Motivation
• Reinforcement