Learning Theories: Classical and Operant Conditioning

A set of flashcards based on lecture notes covering key concepts of learning theories, including classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and observational learning.

What is learning defined as in the context of behavioral psychology?

Enduring changes in behavior that occur with experience.

What are the two main types of associative learning?

Classical conditioning and operant conditioning.

What is classical conditioning?

A form of associative learning where a previously neutral stimulus becomes associated with a stimulus that elicits an automatic response.

Who is associated with the discovery of classical conditioning?

Ivan Pavlov, a Russian physiologist.

What constitutes an unconditioned stimulus (UCS)?

A stimulus that produces an unconditioned response automatically.

What is an unconditioned response (UCR)?

An automatic reaction to an unconditioned stimulus.

What is the difference between a neutral stimulus (NS) and a conditioned stimulus (CS)?

A neutral stimulus has no particular meaning to the organism, while a conditioned stimulus is a previously neutral stimulus that an organism learns to associate with an unconditioned stimulus.

Describe operant conditioning.

Shaping an organism’s behavior by manipulating the consequences of that behavior.

What is the law of effect according to Edward L. Thorndike?

The consequences of a behavior increase or decrease the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated.

What is a reinforcer?

Any consequence that increases the likelihood a behavior will be repeated.

Differentiate between positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement.

Positive reinforcement is the addition of a stimulus to increase behavior, while negative reinforcement is the removal of a stimulus to increase behavior.

What is punishment in the context of operant conditioning?

Any consequence that decreases the likelihood a behavior will be repeated.

What is the difference between positive punishment and negative punishment?

Positive punishment involves adding an unpleasant stimulus, whereas negative punishment involves removing a pleasant stimulus.

What is observational learning?

Learning by watching the behavior of others.

What is vicarious conditioning?

Learning that occurs by observing the consequences of another person's behavior.

What are the key components of classical conditioning?

Unconditioned stimulus, unconditioned response, neutral stimulus, conditioned stimulus, conditioned response.

How does successful classical conditioning require multiple pairings?

Successful conditioning requires close proximity between the unconditioned stimulus and the neutral stimulus.