Learning Chapter 5

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to learning processes such as classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and observational learning.

Learning

A relatively enduring change in behavior or knowledge as a result of experience.

Conditioning

The process of learning associations between environmental events and behavioral responses.

Classical Conditioning

A process of learning associations between stimuli that involves repeatedly pairing a neutral stimulus with a response-producing stimulus.

Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)

A natural stimulus that reflexively elicits a response without prior learning.

Unconditioned Response (UCR)

An unlearned, reflexive response elicited by an unconditioned stimulus.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

A formerly neutral stimulus that acquires the capacity to elicit a reflexive response.

Conditioned Response (CR)

A learned, reflexive response to a conditioned stimulus.

Operant Conditioning

A basic learning process that involves changing the probability of a response being repeated by manipulating the consequences of that response.

Reinforcement

The occurrence of a stimulus or event following a response that increases the likelihood of that response being repeated.

Positive Reinforcement

When a response is followed by the addition of a reinforcing stimulus, increasing the likelihood of the response being repeated.

Negative Reinforcement

When a response results in the removal, avoidance, or escape from a punishing stimulus, increasing the likelihood of the response being repeated.

Punishment

The presentation of a stimulus or event following a behavior that decreases the likelihood of the behavior being repeated.

Shaping

A procedure in which new behaviors are acquired by reinforcing successively closer approximations of the desired behavior.

Partial Reinforcement Effect

Behaviors conditioned using partial reinforcement are more resistant to extinction than those conditioned with continuous reinforcement.

Observational Learning

Learning that occurs through observing the actions of others.

Mirror Neurons

Brain cells activated both when individuals perform a motor act and when they observe the same motor act done by another.

Behaviorism

A school of psychology that emphasizes the study of observable behaviors, particularly in relation to learning.

Latent Learning

Learning that occurs without reinforcement and is not immediately reflected in behavior.

Learned Helplessness

A condition resulting from exposure to inescapable and uncontrollable aversive events, leading to passive behavior.