Chapter 1-8: Learning and Conditioning (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from classical conditioning, operant conditioning, schedules of reinforcement, and cognitive perspectives as discussed in the lecture notes.

Neutral stimulus

A stimulus that initially produces no conditioned response before learning.

Acquisition

The initial learning stage in classical conditioning where the conditioned stimulus is paired with the unconditioned stimulus to produce the conditioned response.

Unconditioned stimulus

The stimulus that naturally elicits an unconditioned response without prior learning.

Unconditioned response

The natural, unlearned response to an unconditioned stimulus.

Conditioned stimulus

A previously neutral stimulus that, after association with the unconditioned stimulus, elicits the conditioned response.

Conditioned response

The learned response to the conditioned stimulus.

Extinction

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

Spontaneous recovery

Reappearance of an extinguished conditioned response after a time delay.

Stimulus generalization

Tendency to respond to stimuli that are similar to the conditioned stimulus.

Stimulus discrimination

Ability to distinguish between similar stimuli and respond only to the conditioned stimulus.

Classical conditioning

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

Operant conditioning

Learning that occurs through consequences after a behavior (reinforcements or punishments).

Positive reinforcement

The presentation of a pleasant stimulus after a behavior that increases the likelihood of that behavior occurring again.

Negative reinforcement

The removal of an unpleasant stimulus after a behavior, increasing the likelihood of that behavior occurring again.

Punishment

An adverse stimulus or consequence that decreases the strength of a behavior.

Skinner Box

An experimental chamber used to study operant conditioning with animals (e.g., lever pressing for a reward).

Fixed ratio

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

Variable ratio

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

Fixed interval

A schedule where reinforcement is given for the first response after a fixed amount of time has passed.

Variable interval

A schedule where reinforcement is given for the first response after varying time intervals.

Schedules of reinforcement

Patterns by which rewards are delivered (ratio or interval, fixed or variable).

Observational learning

Learning that occurs by watching others, integrating behavioral and cognitive elements (Bandura).

Insight learning

Problem solving that occurs via a sudden reorganization of perception—an ‘aha’ moment.

Cognitive maps

Mental representations of physical space that aid navigation and problem solving.

Taste aversion

Biological tendency to avoid a food after a single illness experience (conditioned taste aversion).

Experimental neurosis

Neurotic-like behaviors produced in animals by exposure to conflicting or inconsistent stimuli in the lab.