Topic 4: Learning Theories

Question 1

What is meant by the term Tabula Rasa?

Classical Conditioning

Answer 1

Blank Slate

Classical Conditioning

Question 2

Define stimulus.

Classical Conditioning

Answer 2

A external factor which is interpreted through the senses and can bring about a behaviour response.

Question 3

Define classical conditioning.

Classical Conditioning

Answer 3

Learning through association.
Classical conditioning is a theory made by Pavlov that involves the association between two stimuli to produce a new response.

Question 4

Define unconditioned stimulus.

Classical Conditioning

Answer 4

A stimulus that elicits an unconditioned/ unlearnt/ natural response. e.g. food (US) causes a hungry dog to salivate.

Question 5

Define conditioned stimulus.

Classical Conditioning

Answer 5

A previously neutral stimulus that, after repeated association with an unconditioned stimulus, elicits the response produced by the unconditional stimulus itself.

Question 6

Define unconditioned response.

Classical Conditioning

Answer 6

A response/ behaviour that occurs naturally due to a given stimulus.

Question 7

Define conditioned response.

Classical Conditioning

Answer 7

A behaviour thay is shown in response to a learned stimulus.

Question 8

Define neutral stimulus.

Classical Conditioning

Answer 8

A stimulus which intitially produces no specific/ desired response.

Question 9

Define extinction.

Classical Conditioning

Answer 9

Conditioning disappears because association between the UCS and CS no longer happens. This can happen when the paired stimulus is seperated and so the learned response is no longer carried out.

Question 10

Define spontaneous recovery.

Classical Conditioning

Answer 10

After extinction, the association recurs for no specific reason. The conditioned stimulus (e.g. the bell) suddenly produces the previously conditioned response (e.g. salivation). (re-appearance of a conditioned response).

Question 11

Define stimulus generalisation.

Classical Conditioning

Answer 11

CS produces the same behaviour to a similar stimuli after response has been conditioned.

Question 12

Define systematic desensitization.

Classical Conditioning

Question 13

Define flooding therapy.

Classical Conditioning

Question 14

Conclusion for Learning Theories Essay.

Answer 14

The use of experiments provides the learning theories with scienctifc credibility and therefore the theories support psychology as a science. This in turn means the theories have many practical applications and can develop therapies, enhance educational practices, prevent crime and can develop social policies which can be helpful in society.

Question 15

What was the name of the psychologist who developed classical conditioning?

Classical Conditioning

Answer 15

Ivan Pavlov.

Question 16

2 Strengths of Classical conditioning (supporting evidence)

Classical Conditioning

Answer 16

Watson and Rayner - Paired a loud noise (hammer banging metal) with a white rat. After a few pairings, Albert (a baby under 1yr old) became scared of white rats.

Pavlov (1927) - found that dogs would salivate to the ticking of a metronome after it had been paired with the UCS of food.

Question 17

Give 2 weaknesses of Classical conditioning

Classical Conditioning

Answer 17

• It is a limited explanation of learning as it only deals with reflexive behaviour, and most of our behaviour isn’t reflexive. Making it reductionist.
• A lot of studies on classical conditioning use animals. This is not generalisable as they don’t represent humans as we may have different brains and are more advanced.

Question 18

Describe the learning theories. (4 marks)

Question 19

What did Pavlov conclude?

Answer 19

That environmental stimuli that had no previous relation to a reflex action could, through repeated pairing, trigger a salivation reflex.
Through the process of associative learning (conditioning) the conditioned stimulus leads to a conditioned response.

Question 20

What’s the classic study for topic 4 learning theories?

Answer 20

Watson & Rayner (1920)

Question 21

Describe the sample of Watson and Rayner’s study.

Answer 21

One baby boy, Albert, aged 9 months at the start of the study and 11 months when the conditioning began.

Question 22

Define operant conditioning.

Question 23

Define positive reinforcement.

Answer 23

Something good is given in response to the behaviour. E.g. food.

Question 24

Define negative reinforcement.

Answer 24

Something bad is taken away in response to the behaviour e.g. taking away a chore.

Question 25

Define positive punishment.

Answer 25

Something bad is given in response to the unwanted behaviour to stop behaviour.

Question 26

Define negative punishment.

Answer 26

Something good is taken away in response to the unwanted behaviour to stop the behaviour.

Question 27

Define primary reinforcement.

Answer 27

Rewards focused on meeting a basic need.

Question 28

Define secondary reinforcement.

Answer 28

Rewards that can satisfy a basic need but it is not in itself a basic need.

Question 29

Define schedules of reinforcement.

Question 30

Define behaviour modification.

Question 31

Define shaping.