Classical and Operant Conditioning Concepts

These flashcards cover key concepts from classical and operant conditioning theories, including definitions and examples.

Classical Conditioning

A learning process involving the association between two stimuli, leading to a learned response.

Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)

A stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response without prior learning.

Unconditioned Response (UCR)

The unlearned, naturally occurring response to an unconditioned stimulus.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

An originally irrelevant stimulus that, after association with an unconditioned stimulus, triggers a conditioned response.

Conditioned Response (CR)

The learned response to a previously neutral stimulus after conditioning.

The Garcia Effect

A phenomenon where individuals refuse certain foods after becoming sick from them, despite knowing the food was safe.

Operant Conditioning

A method of learning that uses reinforcements and punishments to shape behavior.

Law of Effect

The principle that rewarded behavior is likely to recur.

Positive Reinforcement

Involves giving a rewarding stimulus after a desired behavior to increase that behavior.

Negative Reinforcement

Involves removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase the likelihood of a desired behavior.

Positive Punishment

Involves presenting a negative consequence after an undesired behavior to reduce that behavior.

Negative Punishment

Involves removing a positive stimulus following an undesired behavior to decrease that behavior.

Drawbacks of Punishment

Punishment does not teach a desired response and its effects tend to be temporary and inconsistent.

Social Learning Theory

The theory that we learn behaviors through observation and imitation of others.

Modeling

The process of imitating behaviors of those we observe, particularly those we identify with.

Insight Learning

A type of learning that occurs suddenly through understanding relationships rather than through trial and error.