Questions and Answers
Define classical conditioning and behaviorism and describe the basic components of classical conditioning.
Classical Conditioning: A type of learning in which an organism comes to associate stimuli. A neutral stimulus that signals an unconditioned stimulus begins to produce a response that anticipates and prepares for the unconditioned stimulus. Behaviorism: The view that psychology should be an objective science and study behavior without reference to mental processes.
What are the timing requirements for the initial learning of a stimulus-response relationship?
Acquisition: The initial stage in classical conditioning; associating a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a conditioned response.
How can biological predispositions affect learning by classical conditioning?
Conditioned stimuli have a natural association with the unconditioned stimuli they predict. Natural selection favors traits that aid survival.
Identify the two major characteristics that distinguish classical conditioning from operant conditioning.
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Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of continuous and partial reinforcement schedules and identify four schedules of partial reinforcement.
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How do negative reinforcement, positive reinforcement, and punishment differ?
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Identify the major similarities and differences between classical and operant conditioning.
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What determines whether we will imitate a model according to Bandura's findings?
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Explain why correlations cannot prove that watching violent TV causes violent behavior.
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What is learning?
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What is shaping?
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What is associative learning?
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What is reinforcement?
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What is extinction in the context of classical and operant conditioning?
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Study Notes
Classical Conditioning and Behaviorism
- Classical Conditioning: Learning process where an organism associates a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a conditioned response.
- Behaviorism: Psychological perspective emphasizing objective scientific study of behavior, disregarding mental processes.
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Key Terms:
- Conditioned = Learned
- Unconditioned = Unlearned
Timing in Learning
- Acquisition: Initial phase of classical conditioning, pairing a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus to produce a conditioned response.
- In operant conditioning, this phase involves strengthening reinforced responses.
Biological Influences on Learning
- Biological predispositions influence learning, where certain conditioned stimuli are naturally associated with unconditioned stimuli.
- Natural selection promotes traits that enhance survival, affecting associative learning.
Classical vs. Operant Conditioning
- Operant Conditioning: Learning where behavior is strengthened by reinforcement or diminished by punishment.
- Respondent Behavior: Automatic response to stimuli, part of classical conditioning.
- Operant Behavior: Deliberate actions that have consequences.
Reinforcement Schedules
- Continuous Reinforcement: Reinforcing the desired response every time it occurs.
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Partial Reinforcement: Reinforcement given only sometimes, enhancing persistence.
- Fixed-Ratio Schedule: Reinforcement after a set number of responses.
- Variable-Ratio Schedule: Reinforcement after unpredictable responses.
- Fixed-Interval Schedule: Reinforcement after a specific duration.
- Variable-Interval Schedule: Reinforcement at unpredictable intervals.
Reinforcement and Punishment
- Negative Reinforcement: Increases behavior by removing negative stimuli.
- Positive Reinforcement: Increases behavior by presenting positive stimuli.
- Punishment: Reduces undesired behavior; instructs what not to do.
- Drawbacks of punishment include potential aggression and suppression rather than learning.
Similarities and Differences in Conditioning
- Commonality: Both involve learning through association.
- Differences: Classical conditioning focuses on stimulus-response relationships while operant conditioning emphasizes behavior-consequence relationships.
Bandura's Imitation Findings
- Imitation of a model is influenced by observed reinforcements and punishments.
- Learning occurs through observation, indicating social influences on behavior.
Correlations and Causation
- Correlation does not imply causation, indicating that merely watching violent TV does not directly cause violent behavior.
- Experimental evidence is necessary to establish cause-effect relationships.
Learning and Behavior Change
- Learning: A lasting change in behavior resulting from experience, often through association.
- Shaping: Guiding behavior through reinforcement towards desired actions.
- Associative Learning: Understanding connections between events, either through classical conditioning or operant conditioning.
- Reinforcement: Strengthening behavior by following it with a positive outcome.
- Extinction: Diminishment of conditioned responses when reinforcement ceases, either in classical or operant contexts.
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Description
Test your knowledge of classical conditioning and behaviorism with these flashcards from Psychology Chapter 8. Understand the key components and definitions that form the basis of these important psychological concepts.
