Psychology Chapter 7: Learning Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is the definition of learning?

A temporary change in behavior due to experience

The ability to memorize information

An instinctive response to stimuli

A relatively permanent change in behavior due to experience (correct)

What is associative learning?

Learning that certain events occur together.

Define classical conditioning.

A type of learning in which one learns to link two or more stimuli and anticipate events.

Behaviorism focuses on psychology without reference to mental processes.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is an unconditioned response (UR)?

An unlearned naturally occurring response to the unconditioned stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What triggers an unconditioned response (US)?

A stimulus that unconditionally triggers a response. Signup and view all the answers

What is a conditioned response (CR)?

The learned response to a previously neutral stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What is a conditioned stimulus (CS)?

An originally irrelevant stimulus that triggers a conditioned response after association. Signup and view all the answers

Define acquisition in classical conditioning.

The initial stage when one links a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What is higher-order conditioning?

A procedure where a conditioned stimulus is paired with a new neutral stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What does extinction refer to in classical conditioning?

The diminishing of a conditioned response. Signup and view all the answers

What is spontaneous recovery?

The reappearance of an extinguished conditioned response after a pause. Signup and view all the answers

Define generalization in learning.

The tendency for stimuli similar to a conditioned stimulus to elicit similar responses. Signup and view all the answers

What is discrimination in classical conditioning?

The learned ability to distinguish between a conditioned stimulus and other stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

What is respondent behavior?

Behavior that occurs as an automatic response to a stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

Define operant conditioning.

A type of learning in which behavior is strengthened or diminished by its consequences. Signup and view all the answers

What is operant behavior?

Behavior that operates on the environment, producing consequences. Signup and view all the answers

What is the law of effect?

Behaviors followed by favorable consequences become more likely and those followed by unfavorable become less likely. Signup and view all the answers

What is an operant chamber?

A chamber containing a bar or key that an animal can manipulate to obtain a reinforcer. Signup and view all the answers

What is shaping in operant conditioning?

An operant conditioning procedure where reinforcers guide behavior toward closer approximations. Signup and view all the answers

What is a reinforcer?

Any event that strengthens the behavior it follows. Signup and view all the answers

What is positive reinforcement?

Increasing behaviors by presenting positive stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

Define negative reinforcement.

Increasing behaviors by stopping or reducing negative stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary reinforcer?

An innately reinforcing stimulus that satisfies a biological need. Signup and view all the answers

What is a conditioned reinforcer?

A stimulus that gains its reinforcing power through association with a primary reinforcer. Signup and view all the answers

Define continuous reinforcement.

Reinforcing the desired response every time it occurs. Signup and view all the answers

What is partial reinforcement?

Reinforcing a response only part of the time. Signup and view all the answers

What is a fixed-ratio schedule?

A reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response only after a specified number of responses. Signup and view all the answers

Define variable-ratio schedule.

A reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response after an unpredictable number of responses. Signup and view all the answers

What is a fixed-interval schedule?

A reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response only after a specified time has elapsed. Signup and view all the answers

What is a variable-interval schedule?

A reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response at unpredictable intervals. Signup and view all the answers

Define punishment.

An event that decreases the behavior that it follows. Signup and view all the answers

What is a cognitive map?

A mental representation of the layout of one's environment. Signup and view all the answers

Define latent learning.

Learning that occurs but is not apparent until there is an incentive to demonstrate it. Signup and view all the answers

What is intrinsic motivation?

A desire to perform a behavior effectively for its own sake. Signup and view all the answers

Define extrinsic motivation.

A desire to perform a behavior to receive promised rewards or avoid punishment. Signup and view all the answers

What is observational learning?

Learning by observing others. Signup and view all the answers

What does modeling refer to?

The process of observing and imitating a specific behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What are mirror neurons?

Frontal lobe neurons that fire when performing certain actions or observing others. Signup and view all the answers

What is prosocial behavior?

Positive, constructive, helpful behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Learning Concepts

Learning is defined as a relatively permanent change in behavior due to experience.
Associative learning involves linking events, which can be two stimuli or a response and its consequences.

Classical Conditioning

Classical conditioning is a learning process where two or more stimuli are linked to anticipate events.
Unconditioned stimulus (US) automatically triggers a natural response (unconditioned response, UR) without prior learning (e.g., food causing salivation).
Conditioned stimulus (CS) starts as neutral but becomes associated with the unconditioned stimulus, eliciting a conditioned response (CR).

Key Terms in Classical Conditioning

Acquisition refers to the initial phase in linking a neutral stimulus to an unconditioned stimulus, resulting in a conditioned response.
Extinction occurs when the conditioned response diminishes due to the unconditioned stimulus no longer following the conditioned stimulus.
Spontaneous recovery is the reappearance of an extinguished conditioned response after a pause.
Generalization is the tendency for stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus to elicit similar responses.
Discrimination is the ability to distinguish between the conditioned stimulus and other stimuli that do not signal an unconditioned stimulus.

Behaviorism and Response Types

Behaviorism emphasizes objective study of observable behaviors, excluding internal mental processes.
Respondent behavior happens automatically in response to a stimulus, while operant behavior is determined by environmental consequences.

Operant Conditioning

Operant conditioning entails learning where behavior is strengthened by reinforcement or weakened by punishment.
Law of effect suggests behaviors followed by positive outcomes are likely to be repeated; those with negative outcomes are less likely.

Reinforcement and Schedules

Reinforcers are events that strengthen behaviors they follow, which can be positive (adding a desirable stimulus) or negative (removing an aversive stimulus).
Primary reinforcers fulfill biological needs, while conditioned reinforcers gain power through association with primary reinforcers.
Continuous reinforcement entails rewarding behavior every time it occurs, whereas partial reinforcement occurs less frequently and increases resistance to extinction.
Fixed-ratio and variable-ratio schedules reinforce after a set or unpredictable number of responses, respectively.
Fixed-interval and variable-interval schedules reinforce behavior after a set time or at unpredictable intervals.

Punishment and Motivation

Punishment serves to decrease the likelihood of a preceding behavior.
Cognitive map refers to a mental representation of one's environment.
Latent learning is learning that is not immediately demonstrated until there is an incentive.
Intrinsic motivation involves performing a behavior for its inherent satisfaction; extrinsic motivation involves performing for external rewards or to avoid punishment.

Observational Learning

Observational learning occurs through watching others, while modeling involves imitating specific behaviors.
Mirror neurons are responsible for actions and empathy, firing in response to both action execution and observation.
Prosocial behavior encompasses actions that are positive and constructive, contributing to social harmony.

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Description

Test your understanding of key concepts in Psychology Chapter 7 related to learning. This quiz covers fundamental terms such as associative learning and classical conditioning. Enhance your knowledge and prepare for your exams.