AP Psych: Associative Learning Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the definition of learning?

A reaction to a stimulus

A temporary change in behavior

An involuntary response to an event

A relatively permanent change in behavior or knowledge that comes from experience or training (correct)

What is associative learning?

A learning principle that states that ideas and experiences reinforce each other and can be mentally linked to one another.

What is classical conditioning?

A simple form of learning based on reflex or instinct that is paired with new stimuli.

Who was Ivan Pavlov?

A Russian physiologist whose research on the physiology of digestion led to the development of classical conditioning. Signup and view all the answers

What does behaviorism entail?

The view that psychology should be an objective science that studies behavior without reference to mental processes Signup and view all the answers

What is an unconditioned stimulus?

A stimulus that causes a response that is automatic and not learned. Signup and view all the answers

What is a conditioned response?

A learned response to a stimulus that was previously neutral. Signup and view all the answers

What is acquisition in the context of learning?

The first stages of learning when a response is established. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during extinction?

When the conditioned stimulus is disconnected from the unconditioned stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What is spontaneous recovery?

The reappearance of the conditioned response after a rest period. Signup and view all the answers

What is generalization in behavior?

When something similar to the conditioned stimulus also brings out the conditioned response. Signup and view all the answers

What is the law of effect?

Responses that produce a satisfying effect in a particular situation become more likely to occur again. Signup and view all the answers

What is operant conditioning?

A form of learning based on the consequences of actions. Signup and view all the answers

What is reinforcement?

The process by which a stimulus increases the chances that the preceding behavior will occur again. Signup and view all the answers

What is positive reinforcement?

The giving of a pleasant event contingent on a behavior to increase the likelihood of that behavior in the future. Signup and view all the answers

What is negative punishment?

The removal of a pleasant event contingent on a behavior with the goal of decreasing the likelihood of that behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Learning and Associative Learning

Learning is a relatively permanent change in behavior or knowledge resulting from experience or training.
Associative learning links ideas and experiences, reinforcing connections between them.

Classical Conditioning

A basic form of learning where reflexive behavior is paired with new stimuli.
Involves an unconditional stimulus (US) which elicits an unconditional response (UR), and a neutral stimulus (NS) that becomes the conditioned stimulus (CS) after pairing with the US.
Example: A loud noise (US) causes blinking (UR), while a bell (NS) becomes a signal for salivation (CS) through association.

Ivan Pavlov

A Russian physiologist known for his experiments with dogs, leading to the formulation of classical conditioning.

Behaviorism

Psychology should be an objective science focusing on observable behavior without considering mental processes. Most modern psychologists agree with its objective nature but not strict behaviorism.

Key Concepts in Classical Conditioning

Unconditioned Stimulus (US): A stimulus that automatically triggers a response without learning.
Unconditioned Response (UR): Automatic reaction to an unconditioned stimulus.
Neutral Stimulus (NS): A stimulus that initially elicits no response until paired with the US.
Conditioned Stimulus (CS): A previously neutral stimulus that elicits a learned response after association with the US.
Conditioned Response (CR): A learned response to the CS that was previously neutral.

Processes in Classical Conditioning

Acquisition: Initial stages of learning where the CS begins to evoke a conditioned response.
Extinction: The weakening of a conditioned response when the CS is no longer paired with the US.
Spontaneous Recovery: The sudden reappearance of a conditioned response after a rest period.
Generalization: When similar stimuli to the CS elicit the CR.
Discrimination: When a stimulus is different enough from the CS that it does not produce the CR.

Operant Conditioning

Developed from Thorndike's Law of Effect, focusing on learning through consequences.
Behavior is shaped and maintained through reinforcement and punishment.

Key Concepts in Operant Conditioning

Law of Effect: Behaviors producing satisfying outcomes are more likely to recur, while those leading to discomfort are less likely.
Reinforcement: A stimulus that increases the probability of a previous behavior occurring again.
Primary Reinforcement: Naturally reinforcing stimuli such as food and water.
Secondary Reinforcement: Stimuli that have been learned to be reinforcing, like privileges.

Types of Reinforcement and Punishment

Positive Reinforcement: Presenting a pleasant stimulus to increase behavior.
Negative Reinforcement: Removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase behavior.
Positive Punishment: Introducing an aversive outcome to decrease behavior.
Negative Punishment: Taking away a pleasant stimulus to reduce behavior.

Shaping and Chaining

Shaping involves reinforcing successive approximations to achieve complex behaviors, utilizing chaining of steps (e.g., in learning a dance).

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Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts of associative learning in psychology with these flashcards. Explore terms like learning, classical conditioning, and more to solidify your understanding of how experiences and ideas connect in the learning process.