Psychology Chapter 7: Learning Quiz

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.