AP PSYCH Chapter 8 Learning Flashcards

Classical Conditioning

• Pavlov is the key figure in classical conditioning, which involves associating two stimuli to anticipate events.
• Classical conditioning is also referred to as S-R (Stimulus-Response) Psychology.
• In this process, a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a physiological or emotional response.
• An unconditioned stimulus (e.g., food) elicits a natural response, termed the unconditioned response (e.g., salivation).
• A conditioned stimulus is originally neutral until it gains significance through association, leading to a conditioned response.

Behavioral Learning Concepts

• The over-justification effect occurs when extrinsic rewards diminish intrinsic motivation, potentially leading to cessation of the behavior if the reward is removed.
• Classical conditioning provided a foundation for Watson’s belief that behavior consists of responses to stimuli.

Learning Theories

• Adaptability refers to the ability to acquire new behaviors that help in responding to changing environments.
• Aristotle emphasized learning through association, a concept crucial for survival, known as associative learning.
• Conditioning is defined as learning by association, which encompasses both classical and operant conditioning.

Operant Conditioning

• Operant conditioning involves learning driven by the consequences of behaviors, characterized by stimuli that reinforce or punish.
• Thorndike's Law of Effect indicates that rewarded behaviors tend to recur, while those that are not rewarded are likely to diminish over time.

Key Concepts in Conditioning

• Extinction occurs when the conditioned stimulus loses its association with the unconditioned stimulus, leading to diminished responses.
• Spontaneous recovery is the reemergence of an extinguished response after a break.
• Generalization involves responding similarly to a range of stimuli, while discrimination is the ability to differentiate between similar stimuli.
• Shaping is a process that uses successive approximations to teach new behaviors.

Reinforcement and Punishment

• Reinforcements are stimuli that increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated, and can be positive (pleasant rewards) or negative (removal of aversive stimuli).
• Primary reinforcers satisfy basic needs (e.g., food), whereas secondary reinforcers are associated with primary ones but are less tangible (e.g., money).
• The gradient of reinforcement refers to the time delay between a behavior and its reinforcement; shorter delays lead to better conditioning.

Understanding Punishments

• Punishments serve to decrease undesirable behaviors through either positive (adding unpleasant consequences) or negative (removing pleasant consequences) means.

Learning Styles and Biological Factors

• Latent learning represents knowledge that becomes relevant only when there is a reason to apply it.
• Biological predispositions suggest that some behaviors are naturally aligned with specific outcomes, indicating an innate aspect of learning.

Test your knowledge of classical conditioning with these flashcards from AP Psychology Chapter 8. Each card highlights key terms and definitions that are essential for understanding the learning process in psychology. Perfect for review or studying for exams!