Behaviorism and Classical Conditioning Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the goal of behaviorism?

To explain behavior in terms of responses to stimuli.

What type of conditioning did Ivan Pavlov study?

Classical conditioning.

What is the conditioned stimulus and conditioned response in Pavlov's experiment?

The tone is the conditioned stimulus; the blink is the conditioned response.

What is the conditioned response and unconditioned response involving a drill sergeant?

Conditioned response is tensing muscles at the word fire; unconditioned response is flinching. Signup and view all the answers

How can extinction of a conditioned response be achieved?

By repeatedly presenting the conditioned stimulus alone without the unconditioned stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What does stimulus generalization refer to in dogs?

Wagging its tail when it sees someone similar to its master. Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of generalization.

Someone who learns to avoid a poisonous mushroom also avoids a similar looking but harmless mushroom. Signup and view all the answers

What does fear of insects after a bee sting demonstrate?

Displaying generalization. Signup and view all the answers

What is discrimination in dogs?

A dog is conditioned to salivate when it hears one sound but not another. Signup and view all the answers

In classical conditioning, what is the conditioned stimulus and unconditioned stimulus regarding drug tolerance?

Conditioned stimulus is the injection procedure; unconditioned stimulus is the entry of the drug into the brain. Signup and view all the answers

What is the conditioned response in drug tolerance?

The mobilization of the body's defenses against the drug. Signup and view all the answers

What does Pavlov believe about classical conditioning?

Conditioning is more rapid with intense conditioned and unconditioned stimuli than with weaker ones. Signup and view all the answers

What was Edward Thorndike's research goal?

To find a simple behavioristic explanation for learning. Signup and view all the answers

What is Thorndike's conclusion about cats?

Learning is based on strengthening responses, not on insights. Signup and view all the answers

What did Thorndike observe about cats?

Cats don't solve the problem by understanding. Signup and view all the answers

What is Thorndike's description of a reinforcer?

The event that stamps in response and makes it more likely. Signup and view all the answers

What is the law of effect?

Responses that are followed by satisfaction to the animal will be more firmly connected with the situation so that they will be more likely to recur in the future. Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of the law of effect?

Responses followed by reinforcement become more probable. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between classical conditioning and operant conditioning?

In operant conditioning, the animal's behavior controls the outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the disequilibrium principle?

Any behavior that is performed less often than usual can become a reinforcer. Signup and view all the answers

What is a secondary reinforcer?

Something that became reinforced by previous learning. Signup and view all the answers

What is Skinner's conclusion about punishment?

Punishment does not weaken a response if no other response is available. Signup and view all the answers

What is commonality between positive and negative reinforcement?

They both strengthen a behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of negative reinforcement?

Reinforcing behavior by avoiding pain. Signup and view all the answers

How can extinction of a response in operant conditioning occur?

Let the individual make the response, but provide no reinforcement. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of stimulus generalization?

You get a... Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Behaviorism

Aims to explain behavior through responses to stimuli

Classical Conditioning

Ivan Pavlov studied classical conditioning
A conditioned stimulus (CS) elicits a conditioned response (CR) after being paired with an unconditioned stimulus (UCS)
Example: In Pavlov's experiment, a tone (CS) was paired with food (UCS) leading to salivation (CR) after repeated pairings.
The conditioned response is learned, while the unconditioned response is innate.

Extinction

Repeating the CS without the UCS gradually reduces the CR.

Stimulus Generalization

Similar stimuli to the original CS can also elicit the CR.
Example: A dog conditioned to salivate at a specific sound may also salivate at similar sounds.

Discrimination

Being able to distinguish between different stimuli and only respond to the specific CS.
Example: A dog can be trained to salivate at one sound but not another.

Classical Conditioning and Drug Tolerance

Injection procedure (CS) is paired with drug (UCS)
The body's defenses against the drug (CR) are mobilized in anticipation of the drug

Factors Affecting Conditioning

Stimulus intensity: A stronger stimulus will elicit a more robust conditioned response

Thorndike’s Research

Focused on finding a behavioral explanation for learning
Conclusion: Learning is based on strengthening responses due to reinforcement, not insights
Observations: Cats in mazes didn't solve problems through understanding, rather through trial and error
Key concept: Learning occurs through trial and error with a reinforcer – an event that strengthens response and makes it more likely to occur

Thorndike’s Law of Effect

Responses followed by satisfaction are more likely to be repeated

Operant Conditioning

Animals' actions directly control outcomes
Difference from classical conditioning: In classical conditioning, the stimulus precedes the response, while in operant conditioning, the response precedes the stimulus.

Reinforcers

Disequilibrium Principle: Behaviors done less frequently can be reinforcing
Secondary Reinforcers: Learned rewards that gain their reinforcing properties through association with primary reinforcers.

Punishment

Skinner's findings: Punishment doesn't necessarily weaken responses if there are no alternative responses available

Positive and Negative Reinforcement

Similarity: Both strengthen behavior
Negative reinforcement: involves removing an aversive stimulus to strengthen a response

Extinction in Operant Conditioning

Withholding reinforcement gradually reduces responding.
Example: A person who stopped receiving compliments for wearing a certain outfit may eventually stop wearing it.
Stimulus Generalization: Responses learned in one situation are likely to appear in other similar situations.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts of behaviorism, focusing on classical conditioning as studied by Ivan Pavlov. This quiz covers essential terms such as conditioned stimulus, conditioned response, extinction, stimulus generalization, and discrimination. Perfect for psychology students seeking to deepen their understanding of behavioral theories.