Behaviorism Vocabulary Flashcards

Learning Concepts

• Learning involves a lasting change in observable behavior due to experience.
• Classical conditioning results in involuntary responses akin to instinctive reactions.

Classical Conditioning Elements

• Unconditioned stimulus: An object/event eliciting an unlearned emotional/physiological response.
• Unconditioned response: The reflexive reaction to an unconditioned stimulus.
• Neutral stimulus: An object/event that does not initially affect behavior.
• Conditioned stimulus: A neutral stimulus that becomes linked to an unconditioned stimulus.
• Conditioned response: A learned response similar to the unconditioned response.
• Generalization: Similar stimuli trigger the conditioned response on their own.
• Extinction: Conditioned response fades when conditioned stimulus is presented without unconditioned stimulus.

Operant Conditioning

• Operant conditioning modifies the frequency or duration of observable behavior through consequences.
• Consequences influence the likelihood of behavior recurrence.

Reinforcement Principles

• Reinforcer: A consequence that boosts the chances of a behavior happening again.
• Reinforcement: The process of applying reinforcers to encourage behavior.
• Positive reinforcement: Frequency/duration of behavior increases through the addition of a reinforcer.
• Negative reinforcement: Behavior increases by avoiding/removing an unpleasant stimulus.

Punishment Concepts

• Punishers: Consequences that reduce likelihood of behavior recurrence.
• Punishment: Using punishers to diminish behaviors.
• Presentation punishment: Behavior decreases when a punishing stimulus is added.
• Removal punishment: Behavior decreases when a stimulus is taken away or positive reinforcement is inaccessible.

Cognitive Learning

• Cognitive learning: A change in mental processes that enables different behaviors.
• Modeling: Changes in behavior, cognition, and emotions through observing models.
• Cognitive modeling: Demonstrating actions while explaining the thought process behind them.
• Vicarious learning: Adjusting behavior based on consequences observed from others' actions.

Behavioral Regulation

• Inhibition: Self-restriction of behavior.
• Self-regulation: Setting personal goals combined with motivation, thoughts, strategies, and behaviors to achieve them.
• Cognitive behavior modification: Merging behavioral and cognitive principles for self-instruction and self-talk to facilitate behavioral change.

John Watson's Contributions

• John Watson (1878-1958): Known for generalization-inductive reasoning and focusing on observable behaviors in psychology.
• Founded behaviorism as an approach prioritizing observable behavior over subjective mental states.
• Influenced by Pavlov's work on observable behaviors, applying it within psychology.
• Emphasized the importance of environment and conditioning in shaping behavior, as illustrated in the "Little Albert" study.
• Advocated for the potential to shape individuals using early conditioning techniques.