Chapter 4: Learning (Behaviorism)

PSY 121

Ivan Pavlov

Classical conditioning (dogs, salivation)

John Watson

Behaviorism, “Little Albert” (fear conditioning)

B.F. Skinner

Operant conditioning, reinforcement, Skinner box

Albert Bandura

Observational learning, Bobo doll experiment

Behaviorism

• Focus on observable, measurable behavior

• Learning occurs through environment and associations

(Classical Conditioning)

Pavlov’s Dogs

Pairing neutral stimulus with food → salivation

Little Albert

Fear conditioning with white rat + loud noise

US =

Unconditioned stimulus (food)

UR =

Unconditioned response (salivation)

CS =

Conditioned stimulus (bell)

CR =

Conditioned response (salivation to bell)

Processes

Stimulus Generalization

Stimulus Discrimination

Extinction

Spontaneous Recovery

Stimulus Generalization

responding to similar stimuli

Stimulus Discrimination

response to specific stimulus only

Extinction

response weakens if CS not paired with US

Spontaneous Recovery

response reappears after extinction

(Operant Conditioning)

Skinner Box

Rats pressing lever for food

Shaping

Reinforcing successive steps toward a behavior

Reinforcement: Positive and Negative

strengthens behavior

Positive reinforcement = add pleasant stimulus

Negative reinforcement = remove unpleasant stimulus

Punishment: Positive and Negative

weakens behavior

Positive punishment = add unpleasant stimulus

Negative punishment = remove pleasant stimulus

Classical vs. Operant Conditioning

associations (involuntary responses) vs consequences (voluntary behaviors)

Classical Conditioning

learning through associations (involuntary responses)

Operant Conditioning

learning through consequences (voluntary behaviors)

Observational Learning (Bandura)

Social Learning Theory → learning by watching others

What was the Bobo Doll Experiment's’ Methods and Findings?

Methods: children observed adults’ behavior with doll

Findings:

1. Kids imitated aggressive behavior

2. Modeling stronger if adult rewarded

3. Shows importance of role models