Models to explain learning

Question 1

Define the term neutral stimulus in reference to classical conditioning.

Answer 1

(NS) That which produces no naturally occurring response.

Question 2

Define the term unconditioned stimulus in reference to classical conditioning.

Answer 2

(UCS) A stimulus that does provoke a naturally occurring response.

Question 3

Define the term unconditioned response in reference to classical conditioning.

Answer 3

(UCR) An innate response to an unconditioned stimulus.

Question 4

Define the term conditioned stimulus in reference to classical conditioning.

Answer 4

(CS) A stimulus that produces response after learning has occurred through acquisition (CS pairs with UCS).

Question 5

Define the term conditioned response in reference to classical conditioning.

Answer 5

(CR) A response produced by the CS after learning has taken place.

Question 6

Define acquisition in reference to classical conditioning.

Answer 6

When the subject learns to associate the NS and the UCS. This is where learning takes place.

Question 7

Define extinction in reference to classical conditioning.

Answer 7

A decrease in the frequency of response. When CS no longer follows the CR.

Question 8

Define stimulus generalisation in reference to classical conditioning.

Answer 8

A tendency for similar stimuli to produce the same response.

Question 9

Define stimulus discrimination in reference to classical conditioning.

Answer 9

The tendency to respond to the CS but not other similar stimuli.

Question 10

Define spontaneous recovery in reference to classical conditioning.

Answer 10

A sudden reappearance of the learned behaviour following a period of extinction.

Question 11

Explain the “Little Albert” experiment.

Answer 11

Conducted in 1920 by Watson and Rayner, this was an experiment of classical conditioning in which a child (Albert) was classically conditioned to fear a white rat. The rat first got no response (NS), but then through the process of acquisition with a loud noise that produced a fear response (UCR) the rat began to illicit a fear response from the child (CR).

Question 12

Outline four reasons why the Little Albert experiment would be considered unethical.

Answer 12

As the experiment was focused on conditioning a fear response it could have emotionally traumatised the child.
No informed consent was given from the child’s mother and withdrawal rights were not explained.
No debriefing was held, and the child’s conditioning was never extinguished.
Results were not confidential, when published they included the child’s real name.

Question 13

Define classical conditioning.

Answer 13

A form of learning where two normally unrelated things are linked so that reflex responses are elicited by new stimuli.

Question 14

Outline the process of classical conditioning.

Answer 14

NS= Nothing.
NS+UCS+UCR (Acquisition, NS becomes CS, UCR becomes CR)
CS=CR

Question 15

Define operant conditioning.

Answer 15

A process of learning by which the likelihood of repeating a behaviour is dependant upon the consequences incurred.

Question 16

What are the three phases of operant conditioning?

Answer 16

Antecedent/ descriptive stimulus. The stimulus that precedes the behaviour.
Behaviour. The response to the antecedent stimulus (voluntary).
Consequence. The outcome of the behaviour (reinforcement or punishment).

Question 17

Define the term positive reinforcement in relation to operant conditioning.

Answer 17

A reward that strengthens a response by providing a pleasant consequence.

Question 18

Define the term negative reinforcement in relation to operant conditioning.

Answer 18

The removal/ prevention of an unpleasant stimulus that strengthens a response.

Question 19

Define the punisher in relation to operant conditioning.

Answer 19

Any stimulus that weaken the likelihood of a response.

Question 20

Define the term punishment in relation to operant conditioning.

Answer 20

A behaviour followed by a negative experience that decreases the likelihood of a particular response.

Question 21

Define the term response cost in relation to operant conditioning.

Answer 21

A form of punishment that removes something pleasurable. Decreases likelihood of particular response.

Question 22

What increases the effectiveness of punishment in operant conditioning? –

Answer 22

When it is administered straight after the behaviour.

Question 23

Define observational learning.

Answer 23

A model of learning in which we observe the actions of a model and note the consequences of their action then decide whether or not to imitate it.

Question 24

Outline and explain the five elements necessary for observational learning.

Answer 24

Attention. The learner must pay attention to the model.
Retention. The learner must remember, encode and store within their memory the information.
Reproduction. The learner must be able to copy the behaviour.
Motivation. The learner must have the desire to replicate the behaviour.
Reinforcement. The learner must perceive some sense of reward for repeating the behaviour.

Question 25

Define vicarious conditioning.

Answer 25

Learning indirectly from watching another persons conditioning.

Question 26

Define vicarious reinforcement.

Answer 26

Model is rewarded for a behaviour, increasing the likelihood of it being copied.

Question 27

Define vicarious punishment.

Answer 27

The model is punished for the behaviour, decreasing the likelihood of it being copied.