Theories of learning

Question 1

Learning

Answer 1

A relatively permanent change, often of behaviour, that occurs as a result of experience

Question 2

Unconditioned stimulus (UCS)

Answer 2

A stimulus that unconditionally, naturally, and automatically triggers a response, without any prior learning

Question 3

Unconditioned response (UCR)

Answer 3

The response that unconditionally, naturally, and automatically follows a UCS, without any prior learning

Question 4

Neutral Stimulus (NS)

Answer 4

A stimulus that initially triggers no response

Question 5

Conditioned stimulus (CS)

Answer 5

A previously NS that, after becoming associated with the UCS, eventually comes to trigger a response

Question 6

Conditioned response (CR)

Answer 6

The learned response to the previously neutral stimulus

Question 7

Stimulus generalisation

Answer 7

This occurs when a stimulus similar to the conditioned stimulus produces the conditioned response

Question 8

Extinction

Answer 8

The gradual weakening of a conditioned response that results in the behaviour decreasing or disappearing

Question 9

Discrimination

Answer 9

The learned ability to distinguish between a conditioned stimulus and other stimuli that do not signal an unconditioned stimulus

Question 9

Spontaneous recovery

Answer 9

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

Question 10

What is the acquisition process in classical conditioning?

Answer 10

The NS is paired many times with the UCS to produce the response

Question 11

How does extinction occur in classical conditioning?

Answer 11

Extinction in classical conditioning occurs when the conditioned response decreases or disappears because the conditioned stimulus is no longer paired with the unconditioned stimulus.

Question 12

What is the role of the learner in classical conditioning?

Answer 12

Passive

Question 13

What is operant conditioning?

Answer 13

Learning through patterns of reinforcement or punishment - an association forms between a behaviour and its consequence

Question 14

What is the three-phase/ABC model of operant conditoning?

Answer 14

It explains operant conditioning as having three parts that occur in a specific sequence:
Antecedent
Behaviour
Consequence

Question 15

Antecedent

Answer 15

Any stimulus that precedes a behaviour. refers to condition/event/environment that caused or contributed to the behaviour.

Question 16

What is the ‘behaviour’ component in the three phase model?

Answer 16

The response/action carried out after the antecedent

Question 17

What is the ‘consequence’ component in the three phase model?

Answer 17

The stimulus that follows the behaviour (such as reinforcement or punishment) and affects the likelihood of reoccurance

Question 18

Reinforcement

Answer 18

A (pleasant) consequence that strengthens a behaviour - causes behaviour to occur more frequently

Question 19

Punishment

Answer 19

An (unpleasant) consequence that weakens a behaviour - causes behaviour to occur less frequently

Question 20

An (unpleasant) consequence that weakens a behaviour - causes behaviour to occur less frequently

Answer 20

Positive reinforcement
means there is an addition of a pleasant reward, while
negative reinforcement
means there is a removal of an unpleasant outcome

Question 21

Schedules of reinforcement

Answer 21

How often a behaviour is reinforced with impact the frequency of the behaviour (rate of responding)

Question 22

Continuous reinforcement

Answer 22

Reinforcement after every response

Question 23

Fixed-interval schedule

Answer 23

Reinforcement after a set period of time

Question 24

Variable-interval schedule

Answer 24

Reinforcement after a varying length of time

Question 25

Fixed-ratio schedule

Answer 25

Reinforcement after a set number of responses

Question 26

Variable-ratio schedule

Answer 26

Reinforcement after a varying number of responses

Question 27

What is the acquisition process in operant conditioning?

Answer 27

The behaviour is paired/followed by a consequence

Question 28

How does extinction occur in operant conditioning?

Answer 28

Extinction in operant conditioning occurs when the reinforcement of a behaviour is stopped, leading to a decrease in the frequency of tht behaviour

Question 29

What is the role of the learner in operant conditioning?

Answer 29

Active: the learner has to be active in exploring the environment

Question 30

Observational learning

Answer 30

Learning that occurs when an individual observes/watches the behaviour of others, and their consequences, and determines whether to copy/imitate the behaviour.

Question 31

Model

Answer 31

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

Question 31

What are the 5 mediating processes in observational learning?

Answer 31

1. Attention: learner notices behaviour of model that is distinct and salient
2. Retention: coding and categorising of the behaviour to be remembered
3. Reproduction: involves the individual’s cognitive and physical skills; capabilities and limitations can influence the extent and accuracy of modelling
4. Motivation: rewards and reinforcement from others or self to replicate the modelled behaviour
5. Reinforcement: if the learner expects the modelled behaviour to be reinforced, they are more likely to reproduce the behaviour

Question 32

What is vicarious reinforcement?

Answer 32

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.