AP Psych Unit 3 - 100-147

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to classical and operant conditioning, as well as learning theories in psychology.

classical conditioning

A learning process that creates an association between a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus to produce a conditioned response.

John B. Watson

An American psychologist known for establishing behaviorism and studying classical conditioning.

behaviorism

A theory of learning that focuses solely on observable behaviors, dismissing internal mental states.

neutral stimulus (NS)

A stimulus that initially does not elicit any inherent response until paired with an unconditioned stimulus.

unconditioned response (UCR)

An unlearned, naturally occurring response to an unconditioned stimulus.

unconditioned stimulus (UCS)

A stimulus that automatically triggers an unconditioned response without prior conditioning.

conditioned response (CR)

A learned response to a previously neutral stimulus that has become conditioned.

conditioned stimulus (CS)

A previously neutral stimulus that, after being paired with an unconditioned stimulus, triggers a conditioned response.

acquisition

The initial stage of learning when a response is first established and gradually strengthened.

higher-order conditioning

A form of conditioning where a conditioned stimulus is paired with a new neutral stimulus, creating another conditioned response.

extinction

The diminishing of a conditioned response when the conditioned stimulus is no longer paired with the unconditioned stimulus.

spontaneous recovery

The reappearance of an extinguished conditioned response after a rest period.

generalization

The tendency to respond to stimuli that are similar to the conditioned stimulus.

discrimination

The ability to differentiate between a conditioned stimulus and other stimuli that do not signal an unconditioned stimulus.

preparedness

The biological predisposition to rapidly learn certain associations, such as fear of snakes.

John Garcia

A psychologist known for his work in taste aversion and the concept of preparedness in classical conditioning.

operant conditioning

A learning process through which behaviors are reinforced or punished, shaping future behaviors.

B. F. Skinner

A psychologist who developed the theory of operant conditioning and introduced concepts like reinforcement.

Edward L. Thorndike

An early psychologist known for the law of effect, which states that responses followed by satisfying outcomes are more likely to recur.

law of effect

Thorndike's principle that behaviors followed by favorable consequences are more likely to occur.

operant chamber

A box used to study operant conditioning, equipped with a lever or key that an animal can manipulate.

reinforcement

Any event that strengthens or increases the frequency of a behavior.

shaping

The gradual reinforcement of behaviors that approximate the desired behavior.

discriminative stimulus

A stimulus that signals the presence of reinforcement after a specific behavior.

positive reinforcement

The addition of a stimulus following a behavior that increases the likelihood of that behavior occurring again.

negative reinforcement

The removal of an unpleasant stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior's occurrence.

primary reinforcer

An innately reinforcing stimulus, such as food or water.

conditioned reinforcer

A stimulus that gains its reinforcing power through association with primary reinforcers.

reinforcement schedule

The rule or plan used to deliver reinforcement.

continuous reinforcement schedule

A schedule that provides reinforcement after every desired behavior.

partial (intermittent) reinforcement schedule

A schedule that provides reinforcement intermittently, rather than continuously.

fixed-ratio schedule

A reinforcement schedule where reinforcement is given after a set number of responses.

variable-ratio schedule

A reinforcement schedule where reinforcement is provided after an unpredictable number of responses.

fixed-interval schedule

A reinforcement schedule where reinforcement is provided after a specified time period.

variable-interval schedule

A reinforcement schedule where reinforcement is given after varying time intervals.

punishment

An event that decreases the likelihood of a behavior reoccurring.

instinctive drift

The tendency for an animal's innate behaviors to interfere with learned behaviors.

Robert Rescorla

A psychologist known for his work on the cognitive processes involved in classical conditioning.

Edward C. Tolman

A psychologist who introduced the concept of cognitive maps in relation to learning.

cognitive map

A mental representation of one's physical environment.

latent learning

Learning that occurs without immediately showing evidence of that knowledge.

insight learning

A form of problem solving where one suddenly realizes how to solve a problem without trial and error.

observational learning

Learning that occurs by watching others and imitating their behavior.

modeling

The process of observing and imitating a specific behavior.

Albert Bandura

A psychologist famous for his research on social learning theory and the concept of observational learning.

mirror neurons

Neurons that fire both when an individual performs an action and when they observe someone else performing the same action.

prosocial behavior

Positive, constructive, helpful behavior.

antisocial behavior

Behavior that is disruptive or harmful to social order.