Psychology: Classical Conditioning Overview

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Questions and Answers

What does generalization refer to in the context of learned responses?

A learned response to similar stimuli as the original. (correct)

A complete lack of response to any stimuli.

A learned response to a specific stimulus only.

A response that is weaker over time.

What is the primary difference between generalization and discrimination in classical conditioning?

Generalization leads to extinction of learned responses.

Discrimination is learned responses to specific stimuli, while generalization is to similar stimuli. (correct)

Discrimination occurs only in animals, while generalization occurs in humans.

Generalization involves stronger responses than discrimination.

In the context of Pavlov's experiments, what is an example of a conditioned emotional response (CER)?

The dog salivating when food is presented.

Little Albert being scared of the white rat. (correct)

The initial ringing of a bell before feeding the dog.

A child running away from loud noises.

What happens during the recovery phase of classical conditioning after extinction occurs?

A weaker response may occur after a period of time. Signup and view all the answers

How can smartphone notifications be characterized in terms of classical conditioning?

The notification sound becomes a conditioned stimulus over time. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the unconditioned stimulus in classical conditioning?

It elicits a natural response without prior conditioning. Signup and view all the answers

What is a conditioned response in relation to the alarm sound?

Becoming alert upon hearing the alarm sound. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes classical conditioning?

Connecting a neutral stimulus with a natural stimulus to elicit a response. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of repetition on learning a new skill or habit?

It strengthens connections in related brain regions. Signup and view all the answers

How can breaking a bad habit be accomplished according to neuroscience?

By practicing alternative actions to rewire the brain. Signup and view all the answers

What does reinforcement do in operant conditioning?

It strengthens the likelihood of a behavior occurring again. Signup and view all the answers

Which studying technique is most effective for long-term memory retention?

Spaced repetition with increasing review intervals. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of negative reinforcement?

Turning off a loud noise when a task is completed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Law of Effect in relation to operant conditioning?

Actions are repeated if followed by positive consequences. Signup and view all the answers

What role do positive emotions play in the learning process?

They can enhance memory retention. Signup and view all the answers

How does mindfulness affect learning and brain function?

It helps calm the brain and improve focus. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a primary reinforcer from a secondary reinforcer?

Primary reinforcers satisfy biological needs, while secondary do not. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario represents positive punishment?

Giving a parking ticket for illegal parking. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions decreases behavior through negative punishment?

Taking away a game when homework is not done. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a secondary reinforcer?

Money earned from a job. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of operant conditioning, what is the role of punishment?

To reduce the likelihood of a behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What does shaping involve in the context of operant conditioning?

Training in small steps toward a complete behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Which schedule of reinforcement occurs after a varied amount of time?

Variable Interval Signup and view all the answers

In cognitive-social learning, which process involves learning by watching others?

Observational Learning Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary finding of Albert Bandura’s Bobo doll experiment?

Aggressive behavior can be learned through observation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the term 'modeling' in cognitive-social learning?

The process of imitating the behavior of others. Signup and view all the answers

In a fixed ratio schedule of reinforcement, what triggers the reinforcement?

A fixed number of responses. Signup and view all the answers

What role does money play in satisfying biological needs?

It can be exchanged for goods that fulfill needs. Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily focused on in the cognitive-social learning theory?

The interaction of cognitive processes and social influences. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first key process in observational learning as described in Bandura's theory?

Attention Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes insight learning?

A sudden realization of a problem's solution Signup and view all the answers

What does a cognitive map represent?

An internal mental representation of spatial layout Signup and view all the answers

What is the key aspect of latent learning?

It remains hidden until there is a reason to use it Signup and view all the answers

Why is motivation essential in observational learning?

It encourages the observer to imitate positive behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario best illustrates the concept of insight learning?

Finding a creative workaround to a problem without prior trial Signup and view all the answers

In Bandura's observational learning, what must occur after attention and retention?

Reproduction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key process in Bandura's observational learning?

Recall Signup and view all the answers

What did Tolman’s experiments with rats reveal about learning?

Rats learned the maze subconsciously until a reward was introduced. Signup and view all the answers

Which brain structure is primarily responsible for forming new memories?

Hippocampus Signup and view all the answers

What type of memory is used when you momentarily remember a phone number to dial?

Short-term memory Signup and view all the answers

What best describes neuroplasticity?

The ability to form new connections in response to experiences. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of memory is characterized by its use in problem-solving and reasoning?

Working memory Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the role of the cerebellum?

It helps coordinate motor skills and movements. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of learning occurs without immediate reward and often subconsciously?

Implicit learning Signup and view all the answers

What does the process of learning do to synaptic connections?

Strengthens certain connections for better recall. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Learning Lecture Overview

Learning is a relatively permanent change in behavior or mental processes due to practice or experience.
The lecture covers four main topics: Classical Conditioning, Operant Conditioning, Cognitive-Social Learning, and The Biology of Learning.
Key types of behavioral learning are Classical Conditioning, Operant Conditioning, and Observational Learning.

Classical Conditioning

Definition: Learning that occurs when a neutral stimulus (NS) becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus (UCS) to elicit a conditioned response (CR).
Key Concepts:
- Neutral Stimulus (NS): A stimulus that doesn't naturally bring about the response of interest.
- Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS): A stimulus that elicits an unconditioned response (UCR) without prior conditioning.
- Unconditioned Response (UCR): An unlearned reaction to an UCS without prior conditioning.
- Conditioned Stimulus (CS): A previous NS that, through repeated pairings with an UCS, now causes a CR.
- Conditioned Response (CR): A learned reaction to a CS.
Process of Classical Conditioning:
- Before Conditioning: UCS (e.g., food) → UCR (e.g., salivation); NS (e.g., bell) → No response
- During Conditioning: NS (bell) is paired with UCS (food) → UCR (salivation)
- After Conditioning: CS (bell) → CR (salivation)
Key Principles of Classical Conditioning:
- Acquisition: The phase in which a response is first established. The organism learns to associate the neutral stimulus with the unconditioned stimulus, leading to the conditioned response. The response gets stronger with repeated pairings.
- Extinction: Occurs when the conditioned stimulus is presented repeatedly without the unconditioned stimulus. Over time, the conditioned response weakens and eventually disappears.
- Spontaneous Recovery: Even after extinction, the conditioned response can suddenly reappear when the conditioned stimulus is presented again after a rest period. This recovery is usually temporary and the response is often weaker than the initial response.
- Generalization: A learned response not only to the original stimulus but also to other similar stimuli.
- Discrimination: A learned response to a specific stimulus but not to other, similar stimuli.
Watson's Contribution:
- Conditioned Emotional Response (CER): A classically conditioned emotional response to a previously neutral stimulus (NS).
- Little Albert and the white rat: An experiment demonstrating classical conditioning in humans.

Operant Conditioning

Definition: Learning in which voluntary responses are controlled by their consequences. This involves the shaping and maintaining of behaviors based on their consequences.
Thorndike's Contribution: Law of Effect: The probability of an action being repeated is strengthened when followed by a pleasant or satisfying consequence. Negative behaviors are weakened when followed by an unpleasant consequence.
Key Concepts:
- Reinforcement: Strengthens the likelihood of a behavior occurring again. Positive reinforcement adds something pleasant; negative reinforcement removes something unpleasant.
- Punishment: Weakens or reduces the likelihood of a behavior. Positive punishment adds something unpleasant; negative punishment removes something pleasant.
Reinforcers:
- Primary Reinforcers: Naturally reinforcing stimuli satisfying basic biological needs (e.g., food, water, sleep, and pain).
- Secondary Reinforcers: Learned reinforcers that acquire their reinforcing properties through association with primary reinforcers (e.g., money, praise).
Schedules of Reinforcement: A partial/intermittent schedule of reinforcement means that a behavior is rewarded only some of the time. Includes Fixed Ratio, Variable Ratio, Fixed Interval, and Variable Interval schedules.
Shaping: A technique used to gradually teach a new behavior by reinforcing successive approximations of the desired behavior.

Learning that combines thinking (cognitive processes) and observing others (social influence).
It doesn't rely on direct rewards or punishments, but on observing others, understanding the results of their actions, and choosing whether to imitate their behavior.
Key Ideas:
- Observational Learning: Learning by watching others (e.g., a child learning to tie their shoes by watching a parent).
- Modeling: Imitating the behavior of others (e.g., modeling behavior after a admired teacher).
Albert Bandura's Bobo Doll Experiment: Demonstrated observational learning in children. Children who watched adults behave aggressively towards a Bobo doll were more likely to act aggressively themselves.
Four Key Processes in Observational Learning:
- Attention
- Retention
- Reproduction
- Motivation

The Biology of Learning

Neuroscience and learning: Learning creates new connections and alters brain structures.
Learning and Brain Structures: Different brain regions play significant roles in learning, like the hippocampus (forming memories) and cerebellum (motor skills).
Neurons and Synapses: Neurons process and transmit information in the brain. Synapses allow communication between neurons. Learning strengthens certain synaptic connections, making skills easier to recall.
Memory Systems: The brain has short-term memory, working memory, and long-term memory.
Neuroplasticity: The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections through learning, experiences, or injury.

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Description

This quiz explores concepts in classical conditioning as part of a broader psychology lecture on learning. It delves into essential terms such as neutral stimulus, unconditioned stimulus, and conditioned response, providing insight into behavioral learning processes. Test your understanding of how associations are formed and the mechanisms behind learned behaviors.