Psychology Chapter on Learning and Conditioning

Questions and Answers

What is the definition of learning?

A change in environment

A response to a stimulus

A relatively permanent change in behavior due to experience (correct)

A temporary change in behavior

What is classical conditioning?

A type of learned response involving reinforcement

A type of operant conditioning

A type of learned response that occurs when a neutral object elicits a reflexive response (correct)

A method of observational learning

What is an unconditioned stimulus?

A stimulus that elicits a response without any prior learning.

What is an unconditional response?

A response that does not have to be learned, such as a reflex. Signup and view all the answers

What is a conditional stimulus?

A stimulus that yields a response only after learning has occurred. Signup and view all the answers

What is a conditional response?

A response that was not previously associated with the unconditioned stimulus, but has become associated with it due to the learning process. Signup and view all the answers

What is acquisition in classical conditioning?

The initial stage in classical conditioning where an association between a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus takes place. Signup and view all the answers

What does extinction refer to in classical conditioning?

When the unconditioned stimulus does not follow the conditioned stimulus, resulting in the diminishing of the conditioned response. Signup and view all the answers

What is spontaneous recovery?

The reappearance of the conditioned response after a pause of the extinguished conditioned response. Signup and view all the answers

What is generalization in classical conditioning?

The tendency to respond to stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What is discrimination in classical conditioning?

The learned ability to distinguish between a conditioned stimulus and other stimuli that do not signal an unconditioned stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What is higher order conditioning?

A process by which a neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus through association with an already established conditioned stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What is shaping?

The operant conditioning procedure in which reinforcers guide behavior towards the desired target behavior through successive approximations. Signup and view all the answers

What is a reinforcer?

Any event that strengthens the behavior it follows. Signup and view all the answers

What is a conditioned reinforcer?

A learned reinforcer that gets its reinforcing power through association with the primary reinforcer. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence in behavioral terms?

A stimulus that follows a behavior and makes the behavior more (or less) likely. Signup and view all the answers

What is an antecedent?

A discriminative stimulus that signals when a particular response is likely to be followed by a certain type of consequence. Signup and view all the answers

What are extrinsic reinforcers?

Reinforcers that are not inherently related to the action being reinforced. Signup and view all the answers

What are intrinsic reinforcers?

Reinforcers that are inherently related to the action being reinforced. Signup and view all the answers

What are fixed-ratio schedules?

A kind of partial reinforcement schedule which reinforces behavior after a set number of responses. Signup and view all the answers

What are variable-ratio schedules?

A kind of partial reinforcement schedule that provides reinforcers after an unpredictable number of responses. Signup and view all the answers

What are fixed-interval schedules?

A kind of partial reinforcement schedule that reinforces the first response after a fixed time period. Signup and view all the answers

What are variable-interval schedules?

A kind of partial reinforcement schedule that reinforces the first response after varying time intervals. Signup and view all the answers

What is observational learning?

A learning method in which we observe and imitate others. Signup and view all the answers

What is a partial reinforcement schedule?

The schedules in which responses are sometimes reinforced and sometimes not. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Learning Concepts in Psychology

Learning is defined as a relatively permanent change in behavior due to experience.
Classical Conditioning involves a neutral object eliciting a reflexive response through association with an existing stimulus.

Key Terms and Definitions

Unconditioned Stimulus (US): A stimulus that naturally elicits a response without prior learning.
Unconditional Response (UR): A reflexive response that does not require learning, such as salivation.
Conditional Stimulus (CS): A previously neutral stimulus that elicits a response after learning has occurred.
Conditional Response (CR): A response that has developed associations with the US through the learning process.

Classical Conditioning Processes

Acquisition: The initial phase of classical conditioning, where the neutral stimulus and the unconditioned stimulus are paired.
Extinction: Occurs when the US no longer follows the CS, leading to a decrease in the CR.
Spontaneous Recovery: The reappearance of a previously extinguished CR after a pause.

Stimulus Response Dynamics

Generalization: The tendency to respond similarly to stimuli that are similar to the CS.
Discrimination: The ability to distinguish between the CS and other stimuli that do not signal the US.

Advanced Conditioning Techniques

Higher Order Conditioning: A method where a neutral stimulus becomes a CS by being paired with an established CS.
Shaping: An operant conditioning technique that uses successive approximations to guide behavior toward a desired response.

Reinforcement Principles

Reinforcer: Any consequence that strengthens the behavior it follows.
Conditioned Reinforcer: A learned reinforcer acquiring power through association with a primary reinforcer.
Consequences: Stimuli that occur after a behavior, influencing its likelihood in the future.

Types of Reinforcers

Extrinsic Reinforcer: Reinforcers unrelated to the action itself, like money or praise.
Intrinsic Reinforcer: Reinforcers that are inherently related to the action, such as enjoyment of the task.

Reinforcement Schedules

Fixed-Ratio Schedules: Provide reinforcement after a set number of responses.
Variable-Ratio Schedules: Provide reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses.
Fixed-Interval Schedules: Reinforce the first response after a specific time period.
Variable-Interval Schedules: Reinforce the first response after varying time intervals.

Learning Formats

Observational Learning: A learning method involving the observation and imitation of others.
Partial Reinforcement Schedule: A situation where responses are occasionally reinforced, leading to varying rates of behavior.

These points encapsulate fundamental concepts and mechanisms underlying classical conditioning, reinforcement, and learning in psychology.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts in psychology related to learning, particularly focusing on classical conditioning. It includes definitions of important terms such as unconditioned and conditioned stimuli and responses. Test your understanding of the processes involved in classical conditioning.