Psychology Chapter on Learning Theories

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Questions and Answers

What best describes classical conditioning?

Learning that occurs exclusively through direct experience.

Learning based on instinctual responses to stimuli.

A form of learning that only involves involuntary reflexes.

A process where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a response. (correct)

What is the primary mental process involved in learning according to the content?

Memorization of facts and figures.

Instinctual behavior adaptation.

Reinforcement of reflexive actions.

Identifying patterns and connections. (correct)

Which example illustrates habituation?

A pet responding to a bell after being fed at the sound.

A student memorizing vocabulary for a test.

A child learning to ride a bike after many attempts.

An individual ignoring traffic noise after living nearby for years. (correct)

What is false about operant conditioning?

It involves linking stimuli through reflexive responses. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best defines mere exposure effect?

A learned preference for previously exposed stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

What describes a neutral stimulus in the context of classical conditioning?

A stimulus that produces no conditioned response prior to learning Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components is NOT involved in classical conditioning?

Operant Stimulus (OS) Signup and view all the answers

What type of learning involves voluntary behaviors whose frequency is modified by consequences?

Operant Conditioning Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary principle of B.F. Skinner’s work in behaviorism?

Reinforcers strengthen behaviors following a response Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of positive reinforcement in operant conditioning?

To encourage the repetition of a behavior Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes classical conditioning from operant conditioning?

Classical conditioning involves involuntary reflex responses Signup and view all the answers

What does the Law of Effect state?

Behaviors followed by positive consequences are reinforced Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an unconditioned response?

Flinching at a loud noise Signup and view all the answers

How does operant conditioning typically modify behavior?

By influencing behavior with reinforcement or punishment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a consequence of punishment in operant conditioning?

It weakens the likelihood of the behavior Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Learning: Classical and Operant Conditioning

Learning is the process of acquiring new and lasting information or behaviors.
Learning involves a lasting change, not just a reflexive reaction. A crucial component is the mental process involved in obtaining and maintaining the learned information.
Learning effects on behavior: We learn new behaviors by observing events and others. Learning influences behavior more than instincts. Learning represents an evolutionary advancement.
Learning by Association: Our minds constantly search for patterns in what we see. We evaluate stimuli to form responses. Learning can also occur indirectly - by observing and using language to learn from the experiences of others.
Types of Learning:
- Simple Learning: Includes habituation (decreasing response to repeated stimuli) and mere exposure effect (a preference for previously encountered stimuli).
- Complex Learning: Includes classical and operant conditioning, both described in terms of stimuli and responses.
  - Stimulus: Any event or situation that evokes a response.

Classical Conditioning

Ivan Pavlov (1849-1936) was a key contributor to the study of learning.
Classical Conditioning: A form of learning where a previously neutral stimulus is associated with a neutral stimulus that elicits a reflexive response. Repeated pairings cause the neutral stimulus to trigger that response. Through repetition, this response is expected.
Example of Classical Conditioning: Lightning (stimulus 1) is followed by thunder (stimulus 2). The response is a startled reaction/wincing. After repeated pairings, the mere sight of lightning (stimulus 1) evokes the anticipation of thunder and a response of wincing (conditioned response).
Components of Classical Conditioning:
- Neutral Stimulus (NS): A stimulus producing no response prior to learning.
- Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS): A stimulus naturally producing an unconditioned response (UR).
- Unconditioned Response (UCR): The natural response to the UCS.
- Conditioned Stimulus (CS): The previously neutral stimulus that, after association, now triggers a conditioned response (CR)
- Conditioned Response (CR): The learned response to the CS.

Pavlov's Experiment

Pavlov's experiment involved dogs, food, and a bell. A neutral sound of a bell (NS) had no effect. When the bell was rung (NS) and then food was offered (UCS) to the dog repeatedly, eventually, the ringing of the bell (CS) alone caused the dog to salivate (CR).

Operant Conditioning

Operant Conditioning describes learning where the probability of a behavior changes due to its consequences (stimuli that follow the response):
Hint: An operant is an observable behavior that an organism uses to interact with its environment.
Effects of operant conditioning: Behaviors are strengthened by reinforcement and diminished by punishment.
B.F. Skinner (1904-1990) was important for his work with ideas in behaviorism and his work with rats.
Edward Thorndike's "Law of Effect": Behaviors followed by desirable consequences are likely to repeat, while behaviors followed by unfavorable consequences are less likely to repeat.

Reinforcement

Reinforcement strengthens a response, making it more likely to happen again in the future.
- Positive Reinforcement: Presenting a stimulus following a response, increasing the probability of the response repeating. Ex: Paying a student for good grades.
- Negative Reinforcement: Removing a stimulus following a response, increasing the probability of the response repeating. Ex: Taking painkillers to relieve headaches.

Punishment

Punishment weakens a response, making it less likely to happen again.
- Positive Punishment: Presenting an undesirable stimulus following a response. Ex: getting a detention for misbehavior.
- Negative Punishment: Removing a desirable stimulus following a response. Ex: Taking away a child’s toy as punishment

Classical vs Operant Conditioning

Classical Conditioning: Focuses on involuntary responses.
Operant Conditioning: Focuses on voluntary responses.

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Description

Test your understanding of classical and operant conditioning, as well as the principles of habituation and the mere exposure effect. This quiz covers key concepts and definitions in learning theories. Ideal for students studying psychology and seeking to reinforce their knowledge on these topics.