Psychology Learning Methods

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Questions and Answers

What is the term for the ability to differentiate between similar stimuli?

Extinction

Conditioning

Discrimination (correct)

Generalization

Which statement is true regarding operant conditioning?

Negative reinforcers are always punishment.

Positive reinforcers decrease behavior.

All behaviors result in reinforcement.

Reinforcement increases the likelihood of behavior repeating. (correct)

What occurs during extinction in classical conditioning?

Generalization of responses occurs.

A new stimulus is introduced to enhance the response.

Learning is permanently lost.

The conditioned response weakens over time. (correct)

What is an example of a primary reinforcer?

Food Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes a secondary reinforcer?

It is reinforcing through association with a primary reinforcer. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about classical conditioning is correct?

Generalization happens more when stimuli are similar. Signup and view all the answers

What does reinforcement do to behavior?

It increases the probability that a behavior will be repeated. Signup and view all the answers

According to operant conditioning, what effect does a punisher have on behavior?

It decreases the rate of behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of learning?

A relatively permanent change in behavior brought about by experience Signup and view all the answers

Which type of learning is characterized by a neutral stimulus becoming associated with an unconditioned stimulus?

Classical conditioning Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'unconditioned response' refer to?

A natural response that does not require training Signup and view all the answers

What is a conditioned stimulus?

A previously neutral stimulus that has acquired the capacity to elicit a response Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the extinction phase of classical conditioning?

Conditioned responses disappear after repeated presentation of the CS without the UCS Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes spontaneous recovery?

The return of an extinguished conditioned response after some time Signup and view all the answers

Which type of stimulus is inherent and does not require any learning to provoke a response?

Unconditioned stimulus Signup and view all the answers

What is a neutral stimulus before conditioning?

A stimulus that does not naturally cause the response of interest Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a negative reinforcer?

To remove a stimulus increasing behavior probability Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario best exemplifies positive punishment?

Receiving a fine for speeding Signup and view all the answers

How does negative punishment operate?

By taking away something enjoyable Signup and view all the answers

Studying for an exam to avoid poor grades is an example of what type of learning?

Negative reinforcement Signup and view all the answers

What type of learning occurs without immediate reinforcement or reward?

Latent learning Signup and view all the answers

In the context of reinforcement and punishment, what does positive refer to?

The addition of an unpleasant stimulus Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following options describes punishment correctly?

It decreases the likelihood of a behavior occurring Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of observational learning?

New behaviors are learned through observation of others Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definition of Learning

Learning is a relatively permanent change in behavior due to experience.
Changes in behavior caused by maturation, accidents, fatigue, or lack of effort do not constitute learning.

Types of Learning

Classical Conditioning: Learning through association.
Operant Conditioning: Learning through consequences.
Cognitive Approaches: Focus on mental processes underlying learning.

Classical Conditioning

Developed by Ivan Pavlov, a Russian physiologist.
Involves pairing a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a conditioned response.

Key Terms in Classical Conditioning

Neutral Stimulus: Stimulus that does not provoke a response before conditioning.
Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS): Naturally evokes a specific response (e.g., food causing salivation).
Unconditioned Response (UCR): Natural response to an unconditioned stimulus.
Conditioned Stimulus (CS): Originally neutral stimulus that gains the ability to evoke a response after pairing with UCS.
Conditioned Response (CR): Learned response to a previously neutral stimulus.

Processes in Classical Conditioning

Extinction: Gradual weakening of the conditioned response when the CS is presented without the UCS.
Spontaneous Recovery: Reappearance of an extinguished conditioned response after a rest period.
Stimulus Generalization: The tendency to respond to stimuli similar to the original CS.
Stimulus Discrimination: Ability to distinguish between different stimuli.

Operant Conditioning

Behavior increases with positive reinforcement or removal of negative reinforcement.
Behavior decreases with the introduction of punishment.

Key Concepts in Operant Conditioning

Reinforcement: Increases the likelihood of a preceding behavior recurring.
Reinforcer: Any stimulus enhancing behavioral repetition.
Primary Reinforcer: Satisfies biological needs naturally (e.g., food).
Secondary Reinforcer: Gains reinforcing qualities through association with a primary reinforcer (e.g., money).
Positive Reinforcer: Stimulus that, when presented, increases the probability of a behavior.
Negative Reinforcer: Stimulus removal increases the likelihood of behavior (e.g., relieving pain with aspirin).
Punishment: Decreases the probability of a behavior occurring.

Types of Punishment

Positive Punishment: Application of an unpleasant stimulus to weaken a response (e.g., spanking).
Negative Punishment: Removal of a pleasant stimulus to diminish behavior (e.g., losing privileges).

Cognitive Approaches to Learning

Focus on thought processes involved in learning.
Includes:
- Latent Learning: Acquisition of knowledge without immediate reinforcement, applicable later.
- Observational Learning: Learning by observing others.

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Description

Explore the key definitions and types of learning, including classical and operant conditioning. This quiz focuses on the foundational concepts introduced by Ivan Pavlov and the significance of key terms in classical conditioning. Test your understanding of behavior change due to experience.