Unit 2 Condensed Flashcards
Classical conditioning
We learn to associate two stimuli and thus anticipate events. Behavior is involuntary.
Operant conditioning
We learn to associate a behavior and the resulting consequence and thus to repeat acts followed by good results. Behavior is voluntary.
Law stating that if a response is followed by a pleasurable consequence, it will tend to be repeated, and if followed by an unpleasant consequence, it will tend not to be repeated.
Thorndike’s Law of Effect
Shaping
the reinforcement of simple steps in behavior that lead to a desired, more complex behavior using successive approximations
Successive Approximations
small steps in behavior, one after the other, that lead to a particular goal behavior.
Positive Reinforcement
Strengthens a response by presenting something pleasant after the response
Negative Reinforcement
Strengthens a response by removing or reducing something unpleasant
Primary reinforcer
stimuli that are naturally preferred or enjoyed by the organism, such as food, water, and relief from pain
Secondary reinforcer
A learned reinforcer that gets its reinforcing power through association with a primary reinforcer
Ratio
Based on the number of responses that the organism engages in
Interval
Based on the time that elapses between reinforcement
Fixed-ratio schedule
Reinforces a response only after a specified number of responses (e.g., loyalty punch cards).
Variable-ratio schedule
Reinforces a response after an unpredictable number of responses. Rapid responding; difficult to extinguish (e.g., gambling)
Fixed-interval schedule
Reinforces a response only after a specified time has elapsed (e.g., studying only when an exam draws near, a paycheck every two weeks).
Variable-interval schedule
Reinforces a response at unpredictable time intervals, which produces slow, steady responses (e.g., pop quizzes, checking Instagram).
Positive punishment
weakens a response by resenting something unpleasant after the response
Negative punishment
weakens a response by reducing or removing something pleasant
Encoding
The process by which we place the things that we experience into memory
elaborative encoding
a method of transferring information from Short Term Memory into Long Term Memory by making that information meaningful in some way
Atkinson-Shiffrin theory
Once information enters the brain, it must be either stored or maintained and the information which is stored goes into three distinct memory systems: the sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory
Short-term memory
Small amounts of information can be temporarily kept for more than a few seconds, but usually for less than one minute
Long-term memory
The memory storage that can hold information for days, months, and years
Average capacity of short-term memory
about seven items or pieces of information, plus or minus two items—or from five to nine bits of information.
Chunking
The process of organizing information into smaller groupings, or chunks, thereby increasing the number of items that can be held in STM.
