Psychology Learning and Conditioning

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary reinforcer?

A stimulus that increases the likelihood of behavior through removal

A stimulus that derives its effectiveness from primary reinforcers

A stimulus that satisfies biological needs or desires (correct)

A stimulus that is always present during the conditioning process

Which schedule of reinforcement is least predictable in timing for the reinforcement?

Variable-Ratio Schedule

Fixed-Ratio Schedule

Fixed-Interval Schedule

Variable-Interval Schedule (correct)

What type of learning results from the reinforcement of successive steps toward a final desired behavior?

Shaping (correct)

Explicit learning

Intermittent reinforcement

Latent learning

What is the primary characteristic of learning as defined in the content?

It results in a relatively permanent change. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the intermittent reinforcement effect?

It makes behaviors more resistant to extinction Signup and view all the answers

What is habituation in the context of learning?

Response reduction due to repeated exposure to a stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

In classical conditioning, what does the unconditioned stimulus (US) reliably produce?

A reflexive reaction. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following involves learning that occurs without immediate behavioral change?

Latent learning Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of mirror neurons in the context of learning?

To fire during action observation and reproduction Signup and view all the answers

What phase of classical conditioning is described as the time when the conditioned stimulus (CS) and the unconditioned stimulus (US) are presented together?

Acquisition phase. Signup and view all the answers

Which brain structures are primarily activated during explicit learning according to the content?

Prefrontal cortex and parietal cortex Signup and view all the answers

What is spontaneous recovery in classical conditioning?

The reappearance of a learned behavior after a rest period. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Rescorla-Wagner model introduce into the understanding of classical conditioning?

A cognitive component. Signup and view all the answers

Which practice method involves spreading out study activities over time?

Distributed practice Signup and view all the answers

What type of reinforcement schedule delivers rewards after a specific number of responses?

Fixed-Ratio Schedule Signup and view all the answers

Which brain structure is identified as critical for emotional conditioning?

Amygdala. Signup and view all the answers

What can lead to the development of superstitious behaviors in organisms?

Reinforcement given regardless of behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of John B Watson's experiment with Little Albert?

To condition a fear response to a white rat. Signup and view all the answers

What does biological preparedness refer to in learning?

A predisposition to form specific types of associations. Signup and view all the answers

What principle describes the capacity to distinguish between similar but distinct stimuli?

Discrimination. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Learning

Learning is the acquisition of new knowledge, skills, or responses through experience, leading to relatively permanent changes in the learner.
Learning is experience-based and results in changes within the organism. These changes are relatively long-lasting.

Habituation and Sensitization

Habituation is a reduction in response to repeated or prolonged stimulus exposure.
Sensitization is increased response to a stimulus after repeated presentations.

Classical Conditioning

Classical conditioning involves a neutral stimulus becoming a conditioned stimulus that produces a learned response.
Unconditioned Stimulus (US): Naturally triggers a response.
Unconditioned Response (UR): Natural response to the US.
Conditioned Stimulus (CS): Previously neutral stimulus, now triggers a learned response.
Second-Order Conditioning: Pairing a CS with a stimulus previously associated with the US.
Acquisition: The phase where CS and US are paired.
Extinction: Weakening of the CR when the CS is presented repeatedly without the US.
Spontaneous Recovery: Reappearance of a CR after a rest period following extinction.
Generalization: Similar stimuli to the CS trigger a CR.
Discrimination: Ability to distinguish between similar but distinct stimuli.
Classical conditioning example: John B. Watson and Rosalie Rayner conditioned Little Albert to fear white rats.
Cognitive component: The Rescorla-Wagner model introduced a cognitive aspect to understand conditioning complexities.
Biological influences: Biological preparedness influences which associations are learned more easily. Cerebellum and amygdala are crucial for conditioning (e.g. eyeblink and emotional, respectively).

Operant Conditioning

Operant conditioning focuses on behaviors that affect the environment.
Law of Effect: Behaviors producing positive outcomes are repeated, while those with negative outcomes are less likely to be repeated.
Operant Behavior: Behaviors that have an impact on the environment.
Operant Conditioning Chamber (Skinner Box): Used to study behaviors in a controlled environment.
Reinforcer: Increases the likelihood of a behavior.
Punisher: Decreases the likelihood of a behavior.
Positive Reinforcement: Presenting a stimulus to increase a behavior.
Negative Reinforcement: Removing a stimulus to increase a behavior.
Positive Punishment: Administering a stimulus to decrease a behavior.
Negative Punishment: Removing a stimulus to decrease a behavior.
Primary Reinforcers: Satisfy basic needs (e.g., food).
Secondary Reinforcers: Gain value through association with primary reinforcers.
Reinforcer effectiveness: Timing is essential, quicker reward is more effective. Extinction is more complex in operant conditioning, depending on reinforcement frequency.
Schedules of Reinforcement:
- Interval Schedules: Based on time intervals.
  - Fixed-Interval (FI): Reinforcement after a fixed time.
  - Variable-Interval (VI): Reinforcement after a varying time.
- Ratio Schedules: Based on the number of responses.
  - Fixed-Ratio (FR): Reinforcement after a fixed number of responses.
  - Variable-Ratio (VR): Reinforcement after a varying number of responses..
Continuous Reinforcement: Reinforcement after every response.
Intermittent Reinforcement: Reinforcement after some (not all) responses.
Intermittent Reinforcement Effect: Behaviors learned with intermittent reinforcement are more resistant to extinction.
Shaping: Learning through reinforcing successive approximations of a desired behavior.
Superstitious Behavior: Reinforcement not contingent on a response can lead to seemingly superstitious actions.

Cognitive Elements of Operant Conditioning

Latent Learning: Learning that isn't immediately apparent.
Cognitive Map: Mental representation of the environment.

Neural Elements of Operant Conditioning

Specific brain regions (nucleus accumbens, hypothalamus, etc.) are associated with pleasure and learning.

Observational Learning

Learning by observing others.
Children are sensitive to consequences of observed actions.
Mirror Neurons: Found in primates, firing when performing or observing an action.

Implicit Learning

Learning that occurs without conscious awareness.
Implicit learning problems can affect developmental dyslexia.

Classroom Learning

Distributed Practice: Studying over time with intervals.
Massed Practice: Studying all at once.
Interleaved Practice: Mixing different material in a study session.
Practice Testing: Increases retention and transfer of knowledge.

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Description

This quiz explores the concepts of learning, habituation, sensitization, and classical conditioning. Delve into important terms such as unconditioned stimulus and conditioned stimulus, and understand the processes that lead to changes in behavior through experience. Test your knowledge on how these concepts are foundational in psychology.