Questions and Answers
What is the process of acquiring new and relatively enduring information or behaviors called?
What is associative learning?
Learning that certain events occur together.
What is a stimulus?
An event or situation that evokes a response.
Both classical conditioning and operant conditioning are forms of ________ learning.
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What is cognitive learning?
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Is behaviorism a branch of psychology that ignores mental processes?
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Who is known for studying the digestive system and making significant observations in psychology?
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What does a neutral stimulus (NS) do in classical conditioning?
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What is an unconditioned response (UR)?
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In classical conditioning, what triggers a conditioned response (CR)?
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Name the five major processes of associative learning established by Pavlov.
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Does extinction occur when a conditioned stimulus is repeatedly presented without the unconditioned stimulus?
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What is reinforcement?
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What is an example of positive reinforcement?
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What is the difference between immediate and delayed reinforcement?
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Is punishment intended to increase the frequency of a behavior?
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Define biological constraints in learning.
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Who pioneered observational learning research?
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Study Notes
Learning Concepts
- Learning is the process of acquiring new information or behaviors through experience, leading to relatively enduring changes.
- Associative learning is the connection made between certain events occurring together, including both classical and operant conditioning.
Classical vs. Operant Conditioning
- Classical conditioning involves learning to associate two stimuli, resulting in automatic responses.
- Operant conditioning involves modifying behavior based on its consequences, where actions are reinforced or punished.
- Both are forms of associative learning that include processes like acquisition, extinction, spontaneous recovery, generalization, and discrimination.
Key Figures and Contributions
- Ivan Pavlov conducted famous experiments with dogs, leading to foundational discoveries in classical conditioning.
- B.F. Skinner advanced behavioral science using operant conditioning principles and developed the Skinner box for experiments.
Classical Conditioning Terms
- Neutral Stimulus (NS): An event that does not evoke any response before conditioning.
- Unconditioned Response (UR): An unlearned, naturally occurring response to an unconditioned stimulus (US).
- Unconditioned Stimulus (US): A stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers an unconditioned response.
- Conditioned Response (CR): A learned response to a previously neutral but now conditioned stimulus (CS).
- Conditioned Stimulus (CS): Initially irrelevant stimulus that, after association with a US, triggers a CR.
Processes of Associative Learning
- Acquisition: Early phase of learning when linking a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus begins.
- Extinction: Diminishing of a CR when a US does not follow a CS.
- Spontaneous Recovery: The return of an extinguished CR after a pause.
- Generalization: Responding similarly to stimuli that resemble the CS.
- Discrimination: The ability to distinguish between the CS and irrelevant stimuli.
Importance of Pavlov's Work
- Established the objective study of the learning process; classical conditioning is applicable across species.
- Influenced various psychological fields including health, therapy, and behavior management in addiction.
- Stimulated further research into conditioned responses impacting emotions and behaviors.
Operant Conditioning Explained
- Operant conditioning strengthens behavior through reinforcement or diminishes it through punishment.
- Positive reinforcement increases behavior by presenting rewarding stimuli, while negative reinforcement increases behavior by removing negative stimuli.
Reinforcement Concepts
- Primary Reinforcer: Innate stimuli satisfying biological needs.
- Conditioned (Secondary) Reinforcer: Gains power through association with primary reinforcers.
- Immediate Reinforcer: Delivered right after a behavior, while delayed reinforcer has a time lag.
Schedules of Reinforcement
- Continuous reinforcement provides rewards every time a behavior occurs.
- Partial (Intermittent) reinforcement results in slower acquisition but greater resistance to extinction.
- Different schedules include fixed-ratio, variable-ratio, fixed-interval, and variable-interval, each impacting behavior differently.
Punishment Types
- Positive Punishment: Adding an undesirable consequence to decrease behavior frequency.
- Negative Punishment: Removing a desirable stimulus to also reduce undesired behavior.
Applications of Operant Conditioning
- In education: Uses technology for tailored instruction and feedback.
- In workplaces: Rewards boost productivity and skill development.
- In parenting: Shaping behavior through consistent reinforcement.
- In sports: Behavioral techniques enhance performance.
Biological Constraints on Learning
- Animals possess evolved tendencies influencing their ability to learn certain behaviors.
- Taste-aversion learning highlights innate associations that are easier to form for survival.
Cognitive Processes in Learning
- Evidence of cognitive processes includes the development of cognitive maps and intrinsic motivation versus extrinsic motivation.
Observational Learning
- Occurs when individuals learn by observing others, pioneered by Albert Bandura through the Bobo doll experiment.
- Modeling: Imitation of specific behaviors, influenced by observing vicarious reinforcement or punishment.
Mirror Neurons and Imitation
- Mirror neurons are believed to facilitate imitation and empathy, firing during both action and observation.
- Imitation includes the tendency of children to copy not only relevant but also irrelevant adult actions.
Social Effects of Learning
- Prosocial behavior modeling promotes positive actions, while antisocial behavior modeling can lead to negative outcomes such as aggression and desensitization to violence.
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Description
Test your understanding of key concepts from Chapter 7 of Psychology. These flashcards cover essential terms such as learning, associative learning, and stimulus, helping you reinforce your knowledge in a fun way.
