Psychology Chapter: Learning and Behavior

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Questions and Answers

What is a key difference between instincts and reflexes?

Instincts are simple reactions; reflexes are complex.

Reflexes are triggered by a broad range of events; instincts are triggered by specific stimuli.

Instincts involve specific body parts; reflexes involve the whole organism.

Instincts involve higher brain centers; reflexes involve more primitive centers. (correct)

Which of the following best describes a learned behavior?

An innate response to a specific stimulus.

A complex pattern of behavior triggered by maturation.

An unlearned behavior that helps an organism adapt to its environment.

A relatively permanent change in behavior resulting from experience. (correct)

How does learning differ from both instincts and reflexes?

Learning requires experience; instincts and reflexes do not. (correct)

Learning involves no change; instincts and reflexes cause change.

Learning is innate; instincts and reflexes are acquired.

Learning is temporary; instincts and reflexes are permanent.

Which of the following is an example of a reflex?

The contraction of the pupil in bright light. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an instinct?

A spider spinning a complex web. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'innate' mean in the context of behaviors?

A behavior that is present at birth and does not need to be learned. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to the information provided, which aspect of a reflex is most defining?

Its specific response to a particular stimulus. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately relates the role of 'experience' to learning?

Experience is a direct cause of learned behaviors. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of learning is characterized by an association between a behavior and its consequence?

Operant conditioning (B) Signup and view all the answers

In classical conditioning, what is primarily learned?

The association between two or more stimuli. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What kind of learning does not directly involve personal experience?

Observational learning (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the core concept of associative learning?

The formation of connections between events (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between classical and operant conditioning?

Classical conditioning focuses on stimulus associations, while operant conditioning focuses on behavior and its consequences. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary way behaviors are modified in operant conditioning?

Through reinforcement or punishment (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, which learning process is most closely associated with unconscious processes?

Classical conditioning (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of imitation in observational learning?

It is the primary way new behaviors are acquired (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which learning type does not rely on social or cognitive layers?

Classical Conditioning (A) Signup and view all the answers

If a dog learns to associate the sound of a can opener with being fed, what kind of learning is at play?

Classical conditioning (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the example of teaching Hodor to sit, what serves as the reinforcement?

The dog biscuit reward (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does learning from watching others expand on both classical and operant conditioning?

It adds a social and cognitive dimension to learning. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following has developed from behaviorism traditionally?

A focus on observable behaviors (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key characteristic of all forms of associative learning?

It is based on making connections between events (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic that separates observational learning from classical and operant conditioning?

The lack of a need to use direct personal experience (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Learned Behaviors vs. Instincts/Reflexes

Instincts and reflexes are innate, unlearned behaviors.
Reflexes are simple motor/neural reactions to specific stimuli.
Instincts are more complex patterns triggered by broader events.
Learned behaviors involve change and experience.

Defining Learning

Learning is a relatively permanent change in behavior or knowledge resulting from experience.
It's distinct from innate behaviors (instincts/reflexes).
Learning involves acquiring knowledge and skills through experience.

Basic Forms of Learning

Classical Conditioning (Pavlovian Conditioning): Organisms associate events (stimuli) that repeatedly happen together. A previously neutral stimulus can trigger a response after being associated with a stimulus that naturally triggers a response.
Operant Conditioning: Organisms associate a behavior and its consequence (reinforcement or punishment). Pleasant consequences increase the behavior's future occurrence, while unpleasant consequences decrease it.
Observational Learning: Learning by watching others and imitating their actions. This approach expands learning beyond direct experiences.

Learning to Surf as an Example

Observation helps Julian learn from his father, by imitating successful behaviors and avoiding failures.

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Description

Explore the distinctions between learned behaviors and instinctual responses in this quiz. Delve into the key concepts of learning including classical and operant conditioning. Test your knowledge on how behaviors are shaped through experiences and stimuli associations.