Theories of learning Flashcards
Classical and operant conditioning & observational learning
Learning
A relatively permanent change, often of behaviour, that occurs as a result of experience
Unconditioned stimulus (UCS)
A stimulus that unconditionally, naturally, and automatically triggers a response, without any prior learning
Unconditioned response (UCR)
The response that unconditionally, naturally, and automatically follows a UCS, without any prior learning
Neutral Stimulus (NS)
A stimulus that initially triggers no response
Conditioned stimulus (CS)
A previously NS that, after becoming associated with the UCS, eventually comes to trigger a response
Conditioned response (CR)
The learned response to the previously neutral stimulus
Stimulus generalisation
This occurs when a stimulus similar to the conditioned stimulus produces the conditioned response
Extinction
The gradual weakening of a conditioned response that results in the behaviour decreasing or disappearing
Discrimination
The learned ability to distinguish between a conditioned stimulus and other stimuli that do not signal an unconditioned stimulus
Spontaneous recovery
The return of a conditioned response (usually in a weaker form) after a period of time following extinction.
an extinguished CR reappears after a rest period when the CS is presented alone
What is the acquisition process in classical conditioning?
The NS is paired many times with the UCS to produce the response
How does extinction occur in classical conditioning?
Extinction in classical conditioning occurs when the conditioned response decreases or disappears because the conditioned stimulus is no longer paired with the unconditioned stimulus.
What is the role of the learner in classical conditioning?
Passive
What is operant conditioning?
Learning through patterns of reinforcement or punishment - an association forms between a behaviour and its consequence
What is the three-phase/ABC model of operant conditoning?
It explains operant conditioning as having three parts that occur in a specific sequence:
Antecedent
Behaviour
Consequence
Antecedent
Any stimulus that precedes a behaviour. refers to condition/event/environment that caused or contributed to the behaviour.
What is the ‘behaviour’ component in the three phase model?
The response/action carried out after the antecedent
What is the ‘consequence’ component in the three phase model?
The stimulus that follows the behaviour (such as reinforcement or punishment) and affects the likelihood of reoccurance
Reinforcement
A (pleasant) consequence that strengthens a behaviour - causes behaviour to occur more frequently
Punishment
An (unpleasant) consequence that weakens a behaviour - causes behaviour to occur less frequently
An (unpleasant) consequence that weakens a behaviour - causes behaviour to occur less frequently
Positive reinforcement
means there is an addition of a pleasant reward, while
negative reinforcement
means there is a removal of an unpleasant outcome
Schedules of reinforcement
How often a behaviour is reinforced with impact the frequency of the behaviour (rate of responding)
Continuous reinforcement
Reinforcement after every response
Fixed-interval schedule
Reinforcement after a set period of time
Variable-interval schedule
Reinforcement after a varying length of time
Fixed-ratio schedule
Reinforcement after a set number of responses
Variable-ratio schedule
Reinforcement after a varying number of responses
What is the acquisition process in operant conditioning?
The behaviour is paired/followed by a consequence
How does extinction occur in operant conditioning?
Extinction in operant conditioning occurs when the reinforcement of a behaviour is stopped, leading to a decrease in the frequency of tht behaviour
What is the role of the learner in operant conditioning?
Active: the learner has to be active in exploring the environment
Observational learning
Learning that occurs when an individual observes/watches the behaviour of others, and their consequences, and determines whether to copy/imitate the behaviour.
Model
The person who sets an example for others to imitate through their actions
Learners typically choose models they like/identify with, or who have higher status
What are the 5 mediating processes in observational learning?
- Attention: learner notices behaviour of model that is distinct and salient
- Retention: coding and categorising of the behaviour to be remembered
- Reproduction: involves the individual’s cognitive and physical skills; capabilities and limitations can influence the extent and accuracy of modelling
- Motivation: rewards and reinforcement from others or self to replicate the modelled behaviour
- Reinforcement: if the learner expects the modelled behaviour to be reinforced, they are more likely to reproduce the behaviour
What is vicarious reinforcement?
It refers to our behaviours being reinforced by observing models being rewarded or punished
Learner is likely to imitate behaviour that is rewarded and refrain from behaviour that is punished.
