Vocabulary:Learning

Associative learning

Learning that involves connecting two events or stimuli.

Classical conditioning

Learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a conditioned response.

Ivan Pavlov

Psychologist known for discovering classical conditioning through experiments with dogs.

Behaviorism

Psychological approach focusing on observable behaviors and external stimuli rather than internal thoughts.

Unconditioned response

A natural, automatic reaction to a stimulus (e.g., salivating when seeing food).

Unconditioned stimulus

A stimulus that naturally triggers a response without prior learning.

Conditioned response

A learned response to a previously neutral stimulus.

Conditioned stimulus

A previously neutral stimulus that, after conditioning, triggers a response.

Acquisition

The initial stage of learning where a response is first established.

Extinction

The weakening of a conditioned response when the conditioned stimulus is repeatedly presented without the unconditioned stimulus.

Spontaneous recovery

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

Generalization

Responding similarly to stimuli that resemble the conditioned stimulus.

Discrimination

Learning to differentiate between similar stimuli and responding only to the conditioned stimulus.

Learned helplessness

A condition in which repeated failures lead to a passive acceptance of negative situations.

John Watson

Psychologist who established behaviorism and conducted the Little Albert experiment.

Little Albert

Subject of an experiment demonstrating classical conditioning of fear.

Operant conditioning

Learning in which behaviors are influenced by rewards and punishments.

Operant chamber

A device used to study operant conditioning, often called a "Skinner box."

Shaping

Reinforcing successive approximations to guide behavior toward a desired outcome.

B.F. Skinner

Psychologist who developed operant conditioning and studied reinforcement.

Positive reinforcement

Adding a desirable stimulus to increase a behavior.

Negative reinforcement

Removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase a behavior.

Primary reinforcer

A naturally reinforcing stimulus (e.g., food, water).

Conditioned reinforcer

A learned reinforcer that gains value through association with a primary reinforcer (e.g., money).

Continuous reinforcement

Providing reinforcement every time a behavior occurs.

Partial (intermittent) reinforcement

Reinforcing behavior only some of the time, making it more resistant to extinction.

Punishment

A consequence that decreases the likelihood of a behavior occurring again.

Cognitive map

A mental representation of spatial relationships and environments.

Latent learning

Learning that occurs but is not demonstrated until there is an incentive to do so.

Intrinsic motivation

Performing a behavior for its own sake, driven by internal satisfaction.

Extrinsic motivation

Performing a behavior to earn rewards or avoid punishments.

Albert Bandura

Psychologist known for social learning theory and the Bobo doll experiment.

Observational learning

Learning by watching and imitating others.

Modeling

Demonstrating a behavior that others imitate.

Mirror neurons

Brain cells that activate when observing others' actions, aiding in imitation and learning.