Psychology Chapter 7 Flashcards

Study Notes

General Conditioning Principles

Classical conditioning involves involuntary responses through association (e.g., Pavlov's dogs).
Operant conditioning focuses on voluntary behaviors influenced by rewards or punishment (e.g., Skinner's box).
Observational learning allows individuals to learn through watching others (e.g., Bandura's Bobo doll experiment).

Classical Conditioning Phenomena

Acquisition: Learning when a neutral stimulus (NS) is paired with an unconditioned stimulus (US) to trigger a conditioned response (CR).
Extinction: Reduction of a conditioned response when the conditioned stimulus (CS) no longer predicts the US.
Spontaneous Recovery: Reappearance of an extinguished response after a rest period.
Generalization: Tendency to respond similarly to stimuli resembling the CS.
Discrimination: Ability to distinguish between the CS and other non-relevant stimuli.
Higher-Order Conditioning: Process where a new NS becomes a CS through association with an existing CS.

Effects of Operant Conditioning

Positive Reinforcement: Introduction of a desirable stimulus to increase behavior frequency.
Negative Reinforcement: Removal of an aversive stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior (e.g., taking aspirin to relieve a headache).
Punishment: Administering an undesirable outcome to decrease unwanted behavior, which can lead to negative side effects such as fear and aggression.

Reinforcement Schedules

Fixed-Ratio: Reinforcement after a set number of responses (e.g., coffee reward program).
Fixed-Interval: Reinforcement after a specified time (e.g., weekly sales).
Variable-Ratio: Reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses (e.g., slot machines).
Variable-Interval: Reinforcement after a random amount of time (e.g., checking social media).

Biological Constraints on Learning

Biological predispositions affect the ease of forming associations in classical conditioning, aiding survival.
Operant conditioning is also limited by biological factors; behaviors cannot easily override these constraints.

Types of Learning

Insight Learning: Immediate problem-solving without trial-and-error (e.g., Kohler’s chimps).
Latent Learning: Learning that is not immediately obvious and becomes apparent with reinforcement.
Social Learning: Learning behaviors by observing others, including both prosocial (helpful) and antisocial (harmful) behaviors.

Application of Learning Principles

Emotional Learning: Emotional responses derived from association experiences.
Taste Aversion: Associating a specific taste with a negative reaction (e.g., Garcia's research with rats).
Superstitious Behavior: Misattributing success to unrelated actions.
Learned Helplessness: A state where an individual feels unable to change their situation due to previous experiences of lack of control.

Behavioral Management Techniques

Behavior Modification: Systematic approaches to changing behavior through reinforcement.
Biofeedback: Use of monitoring devices to teach self-regulation of physiological functions.
Coping Strategies: Methods to manage stress and challenges effectively.

Key Contributors to Learning Psychology

Albert Bandura: Pioneer of observational learning theory.
John Garcia: Noted for taste aversion studies.
Ivan Pavlov: Groundbreaking research in classical conditioning.
Robert Rescorla: Developed the contingency model of conditioning.
B.F. Skinner: Key figure in operant conditioning theories.
Edward Thorndike: Known for the law of effect in learning.
Edward Tolman: Introduced concepts of cognitive maps in learning.
John B. Watson: Established behaviorism, emphasizing observable behaviors.

Description

Explore essential concepts from Psychology Chapter 7 with these flashcards focused on topics like classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and observational learning. Each card highlights key differences and definitions to enhance your understanding of learning principles.