Unit 4 Flashcards
Define acquisition
In classical conditioning, the initial stage when one links a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus so that the neutral stimulus begins triggering the conditioned response
In operant conditioning, the strengthening of a reinforced response
Define associative learning
Learning that certain events occur together
Events may be 2 stimuli in classical conditioning or a response and its consequences in operant conditioning
Define classical conditioning
Type of learning in which one learns to link 2 or more stimuli and anticipate events
Define cognitive learning
Acquisition of mental information by observing events, watching others, or through language
Define conditioned response
In classical conditioning, a learned response to a previously neutral stimulus
Define conditioned stimulus
In classical conditioning, an originally irrelevant stimulus that, after association with an unconditioned stimulus, comes to trigger a conditioned response
Define discrimination
In classical conditioning, the learned ability to distinguish between a conditioned stimulus and other similar stimuli
Define extinction
The diminishing of a conditioned response; occurs in classical conditioning when an unconditioned stimulus does not follow a conditioned stimulus; occurs in operant conditioning when a response is no longer reinforced
Define generalization
The tendency, once a response has been conditioned, for stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus to elicit similar responses
Define habituation
Decreasing responsiveness with repeated stimulation
As infants gain familiarity with repeated exposure to a visual stimulus, their interest wanes and they look away sooner
Define higher-order conditioning
A procedure in which the conditioned stimulus is paired with a new neutral stimulus, creating a second, often weaker, conditioned stimulus
Animal that learned that a tone predicts food might then learn that a light predicts the tone and begin responding to the light alone
Define learning
Process of acquiring new and relatively enduring information or behaviors
Define neutral stimulus
In classical conditioning, a stimulus that elicits no response before conditioning
Define spontaneous recovery
The reappearance after a pause of an extinguished conditioned response
Define stimulus
Any event or situation that evokes a response
Define unconditioned response
In classical conditioning, an unlearned, naturally occurring response to an unconditioned stimulus
Such as salivation to food in the mouth
Define unconditioned stimulus
In classical conditioning, a stimulus that unconditionally (naturally and automatically) triggers a response
Define conditioned reinforcer AKA secondary reinforcer
Stimulus that gains its reinforcing power through its association with a primary reinforcer
Define continuous reinforcement
Reinforcing the desired response every time it occurs
Define discriminative stimulus
In operant conditioning, a stimulus that elicits a response after association with reinforcement
In contrast with stimuli not associated with reinforcement
Define fixed-interval schedule
In operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response only after a specified time has elapsed
Define fixed-ratio schedule
In operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response only after a specific number of responses
Define law of effect
Thorndike’s principle that behaviors followed by favorable consequences become more likely, and that behaviors followed by unfavorable consequences become less likely
Define negative reinforcement
Increasing behaviors by stopping or reducing negative stimuli
Negative reinforcer is any stimulus that, when removed, strengthens that response
Define operant chamber
In operant conditioning research, a chamber (skinner box) 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
Define operant conditioning
Type of learning in which behavior is strengthened if followed by a reinforcer or diminished if followed by a punisher
Define partial (intermittent) reinforcement
Reinforcing a response only part of the time; results in slower acquisition of a response but much greater resistance to extinction than does continuous reinforcement
Define positive reinforcement
Increasing behaviors by presenting positive reinforcers
Positive reinforcer is any stimulus that, when presented after a response, strengthens the response
Define primary reinforcer
An innately reinforcing stimulus, such as one that satisfies a biological need
Define punishment
An event that tends to decrease the behavior it follows
Define reinforcement schedule
A pattern that defines how often a desired response will be reinforced
Define reinforcement
In operant conditioning, any event that strengthens that behavior it follows
Define shaping
An operant conditioning procedure in which reinforcers guide behavior toward closer approximations of the desired behavior
Define variable-interval schedule
In operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response at unpredictable time intervals
Define variable-ratio schedule
In operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response after an unpredictable number of responses
Define biofeedback
System that electronically recording, amplifying, and feeding back information regarding a subtle physiological state like blood pressure or muscle tension
Define operant behavior
Behavior that operates on the environment, producing consequences
Define respondent behavior
Behavior that occurs as an automatic response to some stimulus
Define cognitive map
Mental representation of the layout of one’s environment
For example, after exploring a maze, rats act as if they have learned a cognitive map of it
Define coping
Alleviating stress using emotional, cognitive, or behavioral methods
Define emotion-focused coping
Attempting to alleviate stress by avoiding or ignoring a stressor and attending to emotional needs related to one’s stress reaction
Define external locus of control
The perception that chance or outside forces beyond our personal control determine our fate
Define extrinsic motivation
A desire to perform a behavior to receive promised rewards or avoid threatened punishment
Define insight
A sudden realization of a problem’s solution; constraints with strategy-based solutions
Define internal locus of control
The perception that you control your own fate
Define intrinsic motivation
A desire to perform a behavior effectively for its own sake
Define latent learning
Learning that occurs but is not apparent until there is an incentive to demonstrate it
Define learned helplessness
The hopelessness and passive resignation an animal or human learns when unable to avoid repeated aversive events
Problem-focused coping
Attempting to alleviate stress directly—by changing the stressor or the way we interact with that stressor
Define self-control
The ability to control impulses and delay short-term gratification for greater long-term rewards
Define mirror neurons
Frontal lobe neurons that some scientists believe fire when performing certain actions or when observing another doing so
The brain’s mirroring of another’s action may enable imitation and empathy
Define modeling
The process of observing and imitating a specific behavior
Define observational learning AKA social learning
Learning by observing others
Define prosocial behavior
Positive, constructive, helpful behavior
Opposite of antisocial behavior
