Conditioning and Learning

Instincts vs. Reflexes

• Reflexes are automatic responses, while instincts are innate behaviors.

Definition of Learning

• Learning is the modification of behavior due to environmental stimuli.

Associative Learning

• Associative learning involves forming connections between stimuli and responses.

Classical Conditioning

• In classical conditioning, the neutral stimulus becomes the conditioned stimulus after repetition with the unconditioned stimulus.

Classical Conditioning Psychologist

• Ivan Pavlov is associated with classical conditioning.

Unconditioned Response

• An unconditioned response is a natural reaction, such as a dog salivating when seeing food.

Higher-Order Conditioning

• Higher-order conditioning involves using an already conditioned stimulus to create another conditioned response.

Decrease in Response to Stimulus

• Extinction refers to the decrease in response when a stimulus is repeatedly presented without the unconditioned stimulus.

Spontaneous Recovery

• Spontaneous recovery means the return of a conditioned response after a period of rest.

Stimulus Discrimination

• Stimulus discrimination in classical conditioning is responding only to a specific conditioned stimulus.

Stimulus Generalization

• Stimulus generalization is the tendency to respond to stimuli that are similar to the conditioned stimulus.

Behaviorism

• The main principle behind behaviorism is that all behaviors are learned through interaction with the environment.

Operant Conditioning

• In operant conditioning, reinforcement increases the likelihood of a behavior.

Positive Reinforcement

• Giving a child a treat for doing their homework is an example of positive reinforcement.

Negative Reinforcement

• Negative reinforcement means removing something unpleasant to increase a behavior.

Positive Punishment

• Giving extra homework for misbehavior is an example of positive punishment.

Shaping

• The principle of shaping in operant conditioning involves reinforcing successive approximations of a desired behavior.

Primary Reinforcer

• Food is an example of a primary reinforcer.

Continuous Reinforcement

• Continuous reinforcement involves reinforcing a behavior every time it occurs.

Reinforcement Schedule

• A variable ratio schedule of reinforcement is most resistant to extinction.

Observational Learning

• Observational learning is learning through observing and imitating others.

Observational Learning - First Step

• The first step in observational learning is attention.

Not a Step in Observational Learning

• Emulation is not a step in observational learning.

Bobo Doll Experiment

• The Bobo doll experiment by Bandura demonstrated that children will imitate violent behavior after observing it.

Memory Encoding

• Encoding is the process of memory that involves taking in information and organizing it for storage.

Semantic Encoding

• Semantic encoding involves remembering words based on their meanings.

Rehearsal in Memory

• The purpose of rehearsal in memory is to move information from short-term to long-term memory.

Atkinson-Shiffrin Model

• Short-term memory in the Atkinson-Shiffrin model holds information briefly before it is either forgotten or transferred to long-term memory.

Phonological Loop

• The phonological loop in Baddeley's model of working memory processes auditory and verbal information.

Explicit Memory Example

• Recalling the capital of France is the best example of explicit memory

Brain and Long-Term Memories

• The hippocampus is primarily involved in the formation of new long-term memories.

Unconscious Memory example

• A memory that is formed unconsciously, such as riding a bike, is called procedural memory.

Baddeley's Model and the Central Executive

• The primary purpose of the central executive in Baddeley's working memory model is to manage and coordinate the other components of working memory.

Recall vs Recognition

• Recall involves producing information without cues, while recognition involves selecting from options.

Type of memory of past event

• Episodic memory involves remembering past events and experiences.

Remembering Context

• Remembering something more easily when it is learned in the same context in which it will be recalled is context-dependent memory.

Neurotransmitter Linked to memory

• Acetylcholine is most associated with memory and learning.

Misinformation Effect

• The misinformation effect is the phenomenon where false information presented after an event can distort the memory of the event.

Form of Memory Error

• Forgetting, distortion and intrusion are form of memory error.

Retroactive Interference

• Forgetting your old phone number after learning a new one is an example of retroactive interference.

Memory Decay susceptibility

• Short-term memory is most susceptible to decay over time.

Emotional Processing

• The amygdala is involved in processing emotional memories.

Autobiographical Details

• Remembering personal experiences and autobiographical details is episodic memory.

False Memory

• A false memory created when an individual is exposed to misleading information is the misinformation effect.

Prefrontal Cortex Function

• The main function of the prefrontal cortex in memory is coordinating memory retrieval.

Memory Chunking

• Chunking is breaking information down into smaller units for easier processing.

Forgetting via new Information

• Forgetting information due to interference from new information is retroactive interference.

Self-Reference Effect

• Recalling a phone number you associate with your childhood is an example of the self-reference effect.

Flashbulb memory

• 'Flashbulb memories' are highly detailed and vivid memories of an emotionally significant event.

Amnesia types

• Anterograde amnesia prevents the formation of new memories.