Psychology Chapter 8 Objectives 10-17 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What are the two major characteristics that distinguish classical conditioning from operant conditioning?

Classical conditioning occurs with voluntary actions, while operant conditioning does not.

Classical conditioning is learned through observation, while operant conditioning is learned through direct experience.

Classical conditioning is dependent on rewards, while operant conditioning is not.

Classical conditioning involves respondent behavior, while operant conditioning involves operant behavior. (correct)

What does Thorndike's law of effect state?

Rewarded behavior is likely to recur.

What is the shaping procedure in learning?

Using reinforcers to guide behavior toward a desired goal.

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Positive Reinforcement = Adds something desirable to increase behavior frequency. Negative Reinforcement = Removes something undesirable to increase behavior frequency. Primary Reinforcer = Innately satisfying without learning required. Conditioned Reinforcer = Satisfying due to learned associations with basic rewards. Signup and view all the answers

In continuous reinforcement, learning is rapid, but extinction is also rapid if ______ cease.

rewards Signup and view all the answers

What are some strengths of partial reinforcement?

Learning is slower, but behaviors are more resistant to extinction. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of punishment in behavior control?

Positive and negative punishment Signup and view all the answers

How does latent learning show the importance of cognitive processing in learning?

Latent learning indicates learning can occur without apparent reinforcement. Signup and view all the answers

What do biological predispositions limit in operant conditioning?

They limit the associations organisms can learn that are naturally adaptive. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classical vs. Operant Conditioning

Classical conditioning involves learning associations between involuntary responses and stimuli, while operant conditioning involves associations between voluntary behavior and consequences.
Respondent behavior (classical) is automatic, whereas operant behavior (operant) affects the environment.

Thorndike's Law of Effect

States that behaviors followed by rewards are likely to be repeated.
Skinner built upon this law, exploring operant conditioning principles to study learning processes.

Shaping Procedure

Shaping involves reinforcing successive approximations of a desired behavior.
This method highlights the learning capacity in nonverbal animals and infants by revealing their discriminative responses.

Reinforcement Types

Positive reinforcement introduces a favorable outcome to increase behavior frequency, while negative reinforcement removes an unfavorable element to encourage behavior.
Primary reinforcers satisfy basic needs (e.g., food), whereas conditioned reinforcers gain value through association (e.g., money).
Immediate reinforcers provide instant gratification; delayed reinforcers require patience (e.g., a paycheck).

Reinforcement Schedules

Continuous reinforcement leads to rapid learning but also quick extinction if rewards stop.
Partial reinforcement results in slower learning but increased resistance to extinction; includes:
- Fixed-ratio: Rewards after a set number of responses.
- Variable-ratio: Rewards after an unpredictable number of responses.
- Fixed-interval: Rewards after set time periods.
- Variable-interval: Rewards after unpredictable time spans.

Punishment vs. Reinforcement

Positive punishment applies an undesired consequence to reduce behavior; negative punishment withdraws a desired element.
Negative reinforcement increases behavior frequency by removing undesirable factors.
Drawbacks of punishment include suppression of behavior rather than change, potential for aggression, fostering fear, and resulting in feelings of helplessness.

Latent Learning

Demonstrates that learning can occur without immediate reinforcement, as observed in rats creating cognitive maps and children imitating behavior later.
External rewards can diminish intrinsic motivation, challenging the notion that rewards always increase behavior frequency.

Biological Constraints in Learning

Organisms have innate predispositions for learning behaviors that enhance survival.
Training that contradicts these natural tendencies is often ineffective, as animals revert to instinctual patterns.

Description

Test your understanding of key concepts in psychology's Chapter 8 with these flashcards. Focus on objectives 10 through 17, which explore the differences between classical and operant conditioning. Perfect for reinforcing your knowledge and preparing for exams.