Learning Chapter 8 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is classical conditioning?

Learning based on association of stimuli (correct)

Learning through observation

Learning based on reinforcement

A type of cognitive learning

What are the two ways reinforcement schedules differ?

The number of responses made (ratio) or the passage of time (interval), and the pattern of reinforcement (fixed or variable).

What is observational learning?

Learning based on modeling, studied by Albert Bandura.

Who studied latent learning?

Edward Tolman. Signup and view all the answers

Does abstract learning involve understanding concepts?

True Signup and view all the answers

How does classical conditioning occur?

A neutral stimulus is associated with an unconditioned stimulus, resulting in a conditioned response. Signup and view all the answers

Conditioning only affects simple reflexes.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is associative learning?

Learning by linking two events that occur closely together. Signup and view all the answers

What is behaviorism?

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

What does unconditioned response (UCR) refer to?

A naturally occurring response to an unconditioned stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What is an unconditioned stimulus (UCS)?

A stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response. Signup and view all the answers

What is the conditioned response (CR)?

The learned response to a previously neutral conditioned stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What is the conditioned stimulus (CS)?

An originally irrelevant stimulus that, after association with an unconditioned stimulus, triggers a conditioned response. Signup and view all the answers

What does acquisition refer to in classical conditioning?

Initial learning of the stimulus-response relationship. Signup and view all the answers

What is extinction in classical conditioning?

Diminishing of a conditioned response. Signup and view all the answers

What is spontaneous recovery?

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

What is generalization in the context of conditioning?

The tendency to respond to stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What is discrimination in learning?

The learned ability to distinguish between a conditioned stimulus and other irrelevant stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

What is operant conditioning?

Learning based on the association of consequences with behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is operant behavior?

Behavior that functions on the environment, producing consequences. Signup and view all the answers

What is respondent behavior?

Behavior that occurs as an automatic response to some stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What is an operant chamber (Skinner box)?

A chamber containing a bar or key that an animal can manipulate to obtain reinforcement. Signup and view all the answers

What is reinforcement in operant conditioning?

Any consequence that strengthens the behavior it follows. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classical Conditioning

Involves learning through association of stimuli.
Key components: Unconditioned Stimulus (US), Unconditioned Response (UR), Conditioned Stimulus (CS), and Conditioned Response (CR).
Initially neutral stimuli can become conditioned stimuli after being paired with an unconditioned stimulus.

Reinforcement Schedules

Differentiated by delivery timing: ratio (based on number of responses) or interval (based on time passage).
Can be fixed (constant pattern) or variable (changing pattern).

Observational Learning

Also referred to as modeling.
Studied by Albert Bandura within the framework of social-learning theory.
Research shows children can learn violent behaviors by observing aggressive actions in media or from adults.

Latent Learning

Hidden learning that may not be immediately evident.
Edward Tolman's experiments with rats demonstrated that rewards can reveal previously unexpressed knowledge in behaviors.

Abstract Learning

Involves understanding broader concepts rather than specific instances.
Notable example: pigeons trained in Skinner boxes to identify particular shapes.

Classical Conditioning Process

Introduced by Ivan Pavlov; involves pairing a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a conditioned response.

Emotional Conditioning

Classical conditioning can apply to emotional responses, leading to conditioned emotional responses (CERs) like phobias.
Emotional responses can be conditioned directly or vicariously.

Associative Learning

Learning through associating two events that occur close together, observed in various species like sea snails and seals.

Behaviorism

Proposes that psychology should focus objectively on observable behavior without delving into mental processes, though there's some disagreement among psychologists regarding this stance.

Unconditioned Response (UCR)

An innate and automatic reaction to an unconditioned stimulus, such as salivating when food is presented.

Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)

Stimulus that automatically triggers a physiological response without prior learning.

Conditioned Response (CR)

A learned reaction to a previously neutral stimulus that has been paired with an unconditioned stimulus.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

Initially neutral stimulus that gains ability to elicit a response after being associated with an unconditioned stimulus.

Acquisition

The initial phase of learning when a neutral stimulus begins to elicit a conditioned response; also applicable in operant conditioning for reinforcing behavior.

Extinction

Gradual decrease in the conditioned response when the conditioned stimulus is presented without the unconditioned stimulus.

Spontaneous Recovery

The reappearance of a conditioned response after a pause, following a phase of extinction.

Generalization

Tendency to respond similarly to stimuli that are similar but not identical to the conditioned stimulus.

Discrimination

Learned ability to differentiate between a conditioned stimulus and other irrelevant stimuli, reducing responses to non-target stimuli.

Operant Conditioning

Learning process where behaviors are modified through consequences (reinforcements or punishments).
Key figures include B.F. Skinner, who developed concepts like the "law of effect" and used the Skinner box for experimentation.

Operant Behavior

Actions that influence the environment, leading to specific consequences based on the individual's choices.

Respondent Behavior

An automatic response to a stimulus, often associated with classical conditioning.

Operant Chamber (Skinner Box)

A controlled environment for conducting operant conditioning experiments, allowing tracking of behaviors like bar pressing for rewards.

Reinforcement

In operant conditioning, any stimulus that increases the likelihood of a behavior recurring.

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