PSY B110 - Chapter 4 and 5 Review

Associative Learning

• Associative learning includes classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and observational learning.

Reflexes

• An unconditioned response is reflexive and involves automatic reactions to stimuli.

Classical Conditioning Example

• In a classical conditioning scenario, a feather acts as the unconditioned stimulus (UCS), causing a sneeze (unconditioned response) each time.

Conditioned Stimulus

• The full bladder in a potty training case becomes the conditioned stimulus (CS), prompting a reaction after conditioning without an alarm.

Negative Feelings

• Encountering a new person with the same name as an ex-girlfriend may trigger negative feelings (unconditioned response) from previous negative experiences.

Conditioned Response

• Fear can be conditioned through repeated associations, such as feeling frightened upon hearing a theme song from a scary movie.

Escape Learning

• Escape learning occurs when an action (using a seatbelt) stops an unpleasant stimulus (beeping alarm) to increase desired behavior.

Negative Reinforcement

• Negative reinforcement involves removing an unpleasant condition (final exam exemption for perfect attendance) to encourage positive behavior (better attendance).

Shaping Behavior

• Shaping is the reinforcement of successive approximations toward a target behavior, exemplified by rewarding a fish for completing swimming tasks progressively.

Punishment by Application

• Applying an unpleasant stimulus (spraying water) to decrease an undesirable behavior (cat jumping on counters).

Punishment by Removal

• Removing a valued item (friend leaving) to discourage an undesired action (hitting).

Positive Reinforcement

• Positive reinforcement occurs when a behavior (screaming) is encouraged through the addition of a desirable stimulus (parent's attention).

Fixed Interval Schedule

• A fixed interval reinforcement schedule rewards behavior after a specific time period, such as rewarding employees every three weeks based on sales.