Unit 3: Module 3.8a - 3.9 Flashcards
Operant Conditioning
A type of learning in which a behavior becomes more likely to recur if followed by a reinforcer or less likely to recur if followed by a punisher
Law of Effect
Behaviors followed by favorable consequences become more likely and vice versa
Operant Chamber
A chamber containing a bar or key that an animal can manipulate to obtain a food or water reinforcer; attached devices record the animal’s rate of bar pressing or key pecking
Reinforcement
Any event that strengthens the behavior it follows
Shaping
A procedure in which reinforces guide behavior toward closer and closer approximations of the desired behavior
Discriminative Stimulus
A stimulus that elicits a response after association with reinforcement
Positive Reinforcement
Increasing behaviors by presenting a pleasure able stimulus
Negative Reinforcement
Increasing behaviors by stopping or reducing an aversive stimulus
Primary Reinforcer
An innately reinforcing stimulus, such as one that satisfies a biological need
Conditioned Reinforcer
A stimulus that gains its reinforcing power through its association with a primary reinforcer
Reinforcement Schedule
A pattern that defines how often a desired response will be reinforced
Continuous Reinforcement Schedule
Reinforcing the desired response every time it occurs
Partial Reinforcement Schedule
Reinforcing a response only part of the time; results in slower acquisition of a response but much greater resistance to extinction
Fixed-Ratio Schedule
A reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response only after a specified number of responses
Variable-Ratio Schedule
A reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response after an unpredictable number of responses
Fixed-Interval Schedule
A reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response only after a specified time has elapsed
Variable-Interval Schedule
A reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response at unpredictable time intervals
Punishment
An event that tends to decrease the behavior that it follows
Instinctive Drift
The tendency of learned behavior to gradually revert to biologically predisposed patterns
Cognitive Map
A mental representation of the layout of one’s environment
Latent Learning
Learning that occurs but is not apparent until there is an incentive to demonstrate it
Insight Learning
Solving problems through sudden insight; contrasts with strategy based solutions
Observational Learning (Social Learning)
Learning by observing others
Modeling
The process of observing and imitating a specific behavior
Mirror Neurons
Neurons that some scientists believe fire when we perform certain actions or observe another doing so
Prosocial Behavior
Positive, constructive, helpful behavior (opposite of antisocial behavior)
Antisocial Behavior
Negative, destructive, harmful behavior (positive of prosocial behavior)
