Overview of Behaviorism and Conditioning

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary focus of behaviorism in psychology?

Examining the relationship between stimuli and responses (correct)

Understanding genetic influences on behavior

Analyzing historical psychological theories

Studying unobservable mental processes

Who introduced the term 'radical behaviorism'?

John B. Watson

Sigmund Freud

Ivan Pavlov

B.F. Skinner (correct)

What assumption underlies the behaviorist perspective?

The mind's function can be fully understood through introspection

Most behavior arises from observable stimulus-response interactions (correct)

Behavior is primarily influenced by unconscious motives

Genetic makeup is the sole determinant of behavior

What was John B. Watson's view regarding the training of individuals?

With a controlled environment, any child can become any profession Signup and view all the answers

What criticism might some have of behaviorism?

It may be viewed as limited in scope Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between classical and operant conditioning?

Classical conditioning is involuntary while operant conditioning is voluntary. Signup and view all the answers

In classical conditioning, what term describes a stimulus that elicits an unconditional response?

Unconditional stimulus Signup and view all the answers

What form of conditioning includes the neutral stimulus being presented after the unconditioned stimulus?

Backward conditioning Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding generalization in classical conditioning?

It refers to the ability to respond to new stimuli that are similar to the conditioned stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What would be an example of a neutral stimulus in classical conditioning before conditioning occurs?

A bell that initially has no effect on the salivation response Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of extinction refer to in classical conditioning?

The elimination of the conditioned response when the conditioned stimulus is presented alone. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of classical conditioning occurs when the conditioned stimulus is presented before the unconditioned stimulus and they overlap in time?

Delayed conditioning Signup and view all the answers

What does heightened sensitivity in learning suggest?

An increased likelihood to generalize conditioned responses. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of classical conditioning, what is an example of a conditioned response?

Feeling anxious in response to a stressor. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor can make conditioning more rapid?

Using a familiar neutral stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Behaviorism Overview

Behaviorism studies psychology through observable cause-and-effect relationships between stimuli and behavior.
It assumes behavior results from stimulus-response relationships rather than internal mental states.

Key Figures in Behaviorism

BF Skinner introduced the concept of radical behaviorism, asserting all behavior is explained through observable stimuli and responses.
John B. Watson famously claimed he could train any infant to become a specific type of professional, regardless of their background.

Classical Conditioning

Ivan Pavlov, the first behaviorist, discovered classical conditioning while studying dog digestion, particularly "psychic salivations."
Unconditional reflex: An unconditional stimulus (UCS) elicits an unconditional response (UCR).
Conditional reflex: A conditional stimulus (CS) elicits a conditional response (CR) after associations with UCS.

Key Terms of Classical Conditioning

UCS: An event that naturally triggers a response.
UCR: An automatic, natural reaction to the UCS.
CS: A previously neutral stimulus that, after association with the UCS, evokes a response.
CR: The learned response to the CS.

Real-Life Application

Stressors act as UCS; the stress response is UCR.
Environmental cues can serve as CS, leading to conditioned stress responses.

Nuances of Learning

Learning demonstrates curves showcasing concepts like spontaneous recovery and extinction.
Forgetting and extinction occur when the CS is presented without the UCS, leading to diminished responses.

Forms of Classical Conditioning

Trace conditioning: A neutral stimulus (NS) is introduced, pausing before introducing UCS.
Delayed conditioning: NS is sustained before UCS is presented.
Simultaneous conditioning: NS and UCS presented at the same time.
Backward conditioning: UCS precedes NS, generally ineffective for learning.

Additional Discoveries

Conditioning is quicker with unfamiliar neutral stimuli.
Certain species show easier conditioning with specific UCS-CS pairings (e.g., pigeons with vision).
Generalization: Responding to stimuli similar to the CS.
Discrimination: Differentiating stimuli, not responding similarly to new stimuli.

Implications for Learning

Exploration of how minds associate stimuli can enhance understanding of behavior.
Next sessions will shift focus to operant conditioning and its behavioral insights.

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Description

This quiz explores key concepts and figures in behaviorism, including classical conditioning and the principles introduced by pioneers such as BF Skinner and Ivan Pavlov. Test your understanding of the observable relationships between stimuli and behavior, as well as the terminology related to classical conditioning.