Unit 6 - Learning Flashcards
Collegeboard Unit 4
Learning
A relatively permanent change in an organism’s behavior due to experience
Associative learning
Learning that certain events occur together
Classical conditioning
A type of learning in which one learns to link two or more stimuli and anticipate events
Unconditioned response (UR)
In classical conditioning, the unlearned, naturally occurring response to the unconditioned stimulus, such as salivation when food is in the mouth
Unconditioned stimulus (US)
In classical conditioning, a stimulus that unconditionally-naturally and automatically-triggers a response
Conditioned response (CR)
In classical conditioning, the learned response to a previously neutral stimulus
Conditioned stimulus (CS)
In classical conditioning, an originally irrelevant stimulus that, after association with an unconditioned stimulus, comes to trigger a conditioned response
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
Extinction
The diminishing of a conditioned response
Spontaneous recovery
The reappearance, after a pause, of an extinguished conditioned response
Generalization
The tendency, once a response has been conditioned, for stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus to elicit similar responses
Discrimination
In classical conditioning, the learned ability to distinguish between a conditioned stimulus and stimuli that do not signal an unconditioned stimulus
Taste aversion
also known as the Garcia effect. Occurs when a subject associates the taste of a certain food with symptoms caused by a toxic, spoiled, or poisonous substance.
Respondent behavior
Behavior that occurs as an automatic response to some stimulus
Operant conditioning
A type of learning in which behavior is strengthened if followed by a reinforcer or diminished if followed by a punisher
Operant behavior
Behavior that operates on the environment, producing consequences
Law of effect
Thorndike’s principle that behaviors followed by a favorable consequence become more likely, and that behaviors followed by unfavorable consequences becomes less likely
Operant chamber (Skinner box)
In operant conditioning research, a chamber containing a bar or key that an animal can manipulate to obtain a food or water reinforcer
Shaping
An operant conditioning procedure in which reinforcers guide behaviors toward closer and closer approximations of the desired behavior
Discriminative stimulus
In operant conditioning, a stimulus that elicits a response after association with reinforcement (in contrast to related stimuli not associated with reinforcement)
Reinforcer
In operant conditioning, any event that strengthens the behavior it follows
Positive reinforcement
Increasing behaviors by presenting positive stimuli, such as food. A positive reinforcer is any stimulus that, when presented after a response, strengthens the response
Negative reinforcement
Increasing behaviors by stopping or reducing negative stimuli, such as shock. A negative reinforcer is any stimulus that, when removed after a response, strengthens the response (Note: negative reinforcement is not punishment)
Primary reinforcer
An innately reinforcing stimulus, such as one that satisfies a biological need
Conditioned (secondary) reinforcer
A stimulus that gains its reinforcing power through its association with a primary reinforcer; also known as a secondary reinforcer.
Premack principle
Also known as the relativity theory of reinforcement. More probable (desirable) behaviors (or activities) will reinforce less probable (desirable) behaviors (activities).
Continuous reinforcement
Reinforcing the desired response every time it occurs
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
Fixed-ratio schedule
In operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response only after a specified number of responses
Variable-ratio schedule
In operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response only after an unpredicted number of responses
Fixed-interval schedule
In operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response only after a specified time has elapsed
Variable-interval schedule
In operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response at unpredictable time intervals
Punishment
An event that decreases the behavior that it follows
Positive punishment
adding an undesirable stimulus to decrease behavior
Negative punishment
taking away a desirable stimulus to decrease behavior
Contingency model of classical conditioning
A is contingent (depends) upon B and vice versa. Says that the subject has to expect one stimulus to follow another in order to respond.
Cognitive map
A 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
Latent learning
Learning that occurs but is not apparent until there is incentive to demonstrate it
Insight
A sudden and often novel realization of the solution to a problem
Observational learning
Learning by observing others. Also called social learning
Modeling
The process of observing and imitating a specific behavior.
Vicarious reinforcement/punishment
in observing someone else being punished or reinforced for a particular behavior, the observers behavior will increase or decrease due to observing the punishment or reinforcement
Prosocial behavior
Positive, constructive, helpful behavior. The opposite of antisocial behavior
