Psychology Chapter: Conditioning Flashcards

Key Figures in Conditioning

• BF Skinner: A major proponent of operant conditioning; emphasized rewards and punishments in shaping behavior. Known for experiments with pigeons and rats using an operant conditioning apparatus.
• Ivan Pavlov: Russian physiologist famous for pioneering classical conditioning through his studies on conditioned salivary responses in dogs.

Operant Conditioning Concepts

• Operant Conditioning: A method where behaviors are strengthened through rewards, encouraging repeated actions.
• Shaping: A gradual process where reinforcers guide behavior closer to a desired outcome.
• Reinforcers: Consequences that increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.
• Positive Reinforcement: Involves presenting favorable outcomes to increase a desired behavior (e.g., providing food after a desired action).
• Negative Reinforcement: Utilizes the removal of aversive stimuli to strengthen behavior, such as administering shocks until a desired action is performed.
• Punishment: Any event that serves to decrease the likelihood of a behavior occurring again.

Classical Conditioning Terms

• Classical Conditioning: A learning process that pairs a neutral stimulus with one that naturally triggers a reflexive response.
• Unconditioned Stimulus (US): A stimulus that naturally causes a response without prior learning.
• Unconditioned Response (UR): An unlearned response that occurs automatically in reaction to an unconditioned stimulus (e.g., salivation when food is present).
• Conditioned Stimulus (CS): Initially neutral stimulus that, after association with an unconditioned stimulus, begins to trigger a conditioned response.
• Conditioned Response (CR): The learned reaction to a conditioned stimulus that was previously neutral.

Behavioral Conditioning Processes

• Extinction: Occurs when a conditioned response diminishes due to the removal of reinforcement associated with the conditioned stimulus.
• Spontaneous Recovery: The re-emergence of a previously extinguished conditioned response after a period of rest.
• Generalization: The transfer of learned responses to stimuli similar to the original conditioned stimulus.
• Discrimination: The ability to distinguish between a conditioned stimulus and other stimuli that do not signal an unconditioned stimulus.

Schedules of Reinforcement

• Schedules of Reinforcement: Rules determining the timing and frequency of reinforcers; important types include:
  • Fixed Ratio: Reinforcement after a specific number of responses (e.g., payment per product made).
  • Variable Ratio: Reinforcement occurs after a varying number of responses, enhancing unpredictability.
  • Fixed Interval: Reinforcement given after a fixed period (e.g., payday every Friday).
  • Variable Interval: Reinforcement provided after varying lengths of time, promoting steady responses.
• Partial Reinforcement: Involves variable schedules, enhancing learning over continuous reinforcement, which is more predictable and fixed.