Psychology Chapter 5 Flashcards

Reflex and Conditioning

• Reflex is an involuntary response not controlled by choice.
• Classical conditioning involves learning to associate a stimulus with a reflex response.

Key Terms in Classical Conditioning

• Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS) naturally evokes an involuntary response.
• Unconditioned Response (UCR) is the involuntary response to the UCS.
• Neutral Stimulus (NS) does not trigger any response initially.
• Conditioned Stimulus (CS) becomes associated with the UCS, leading to a learned reflex.
• Conditioned Response (CR) is the learned response to the CS.

Conditioning Concepts

• Stimulus Generalization occurs when responses are made to similar stimuli.
• Stimulus Discrimination is the ability to differentiate between stimuli that predict different outcomes.
• Extinction refers to the weakening of a learned response when the UCS is removed.
• Spontaneous Recovery is the sudden re-emergence of a previously extinguished response.

Advanced Conditioning Techniques

• Higher-Order Conditioning occurs when a CS is paired with a new NS, forming a second CS.
• Conditioned Emotional Response (CER) refers to emotional reactions that become associated with certain stimuli.
• Vicarious Conditioning is learned responses developed by observing others' reactions.
• Conditioned Taste Aversion is a strong response to a taste following a single pairing with illness.

Theories and Principles of Learning

• Biological Preparedness describes the innate tendency of organisms to learn certain associations for survival.
• Stimulus Substitution: early theory where CS is seen as a substitute for UCS.
• Cognitive Perspective emphasizes expectations regarding the UCS based on the CS.

Operant Conditioning

• Operant Conditioning involves learning voluntary behaviors influenced by their consequences.
• Law of Effect states that behaviors with positive outcomes are likely to be repeated, while those with negative outcomes are not.

Reinforcement and Punishment

• Reinforcement increases the likelihood of a response being repeated.
• Primary Reinforcers satisfy basic biological needs (e.g., food).
• Secondary Reinforcers gain meaning through association with primary reinforcers.
• Positive Reinforcement adds a rewarding stimulus; negative reinforcement removes an unpleasant stimulus.
• Punishment reduces the likelihood of a behavior occurring again, either by application of an unpleasant stimulus or removal of a pleasant one.

Schedules of Reinforcement

• Continuous Reinforcement rewards every correct response; Partial Reinforcement reinforces only some responses.
• Fixed Interval Schedule provides reinforcement after a set time; Variable Interval Schedule gives reinforcement at unpredictable times.
• Fixed Ratio Schedule requires a specific number of responses for reinforcement; Variable Ratio Schedule varies the number of responses needed.

Behavior Modification and Learning Techniques

• Shaping uses reinforcement of successive approximations to build complex behaviors.
• Behavior Modification employs operant conditioning techniques to change behaviors.
• Token Economy rewards desired behaviors with tokens that can be exchanged for privileges.

Learning Beyond Conditioning

• Latent Learning is knowledge that remains hidden until needed.
• Insight refers to the sudden understanding of complex relationships in problems.
• Learned Helplessness occurs when past failures deter individuals from acting.
• Observational Learning is acquiring behaviors by observing others.
• Learning/Performance Distinction highlights that knowledge can exist without demonstration of behavior.