Learning Theories and Conditioning

A collection of flashcards summarizing key concepts from the lecture on learning theories, conditioning, and behavior modification.

What is learning?

A relatively permanent change in behavior brought about by experience or practice.

Maturation vs. Learning

Learning is not the same as maturation.

Latent Learning

Learning that can occur even if it is not immediately visible.

Classical Conditioning

A learning process that involves pairing a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus.

Key Researcher: Ivan Pavlov

Discovered classical conditioning while studying digestion.

Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)

A stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response.

Unconditioned Response (UCR)

An automatic, unlearned response to the unconditioned stimulus.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

A previously neutral stimulus that triggers a response after association with an unconditioned stimulus.

Conditioned Response (CR)

A learned response to the conditioned stimulus.

Acquisition

The initial learning phase when the conditioned stimulus is paired with the unconditioned stimulus.

Extinction

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

Spontaneous Recovery

The reappearance of a conditioned response after extinction and a rest period.

Stimulus Generalization

Responding to stimuli that are similar to the original conditioned stimulus.

Stimulus Discrimination

Responding only to the specific conditioned stimulus.

Conditioned Emotional Response

Learned emotional reactions, such as phobias.

Conditioned Taste Aversion

Avoidance of food after illness.

Little Albert Experiment

A study by Watson & Rayner demonstrating classical conditioning in humans.

Operant Conditioning

Learning in which voluntary behavior is shaped by consequences.

Key Researchers in Operant Conditioning

Edward Thorndike and B.F. Skinner.

Law of Effect (Thorndike)

Behaviors followed by favorable consequences are more likely to occur again.

Reinforcement

A consequence that strengthens a behavior.

Positive Reinforcement

Presenting something desirable to increase behavior.

Negative Reinforcement

Removing something unpleasant to increase behavior.

Primary Reinforcers

Naturally reinforcing items like food and water.

Secondary Reinforcers

Learned value items like money and grades.

Punishment

A consequence that decreases or weakens behavior.

Punishment by Application

Adding something unpleasant to decrease behavior.

Punishment by Removal

Taking away something pleasant to decrease behavior.

Effectiveness of Punishment

Works best when immediate, consistent, and paired with reinforcement of correct behavior.

Limitations of Punishment

Often only temporarily suppresses behavior.

Fixed Ratio (FR) Schedules

Reinforcement based on a set number of responses.

Variable Ratio (VR) Schedules

Reinforcement based on varying number of responses.

Fixed Interval (FI) Schedules

Reinforcement based on a set amount of time.

Variable Interval (VI) Schedules

Reinforcement based on varying time intervals.

Continuous Reinforcement

Reinforcement after every response.

Shaping

Reinforcing successive approximations toward a desired behavior.

Successive Approximations

Steps that gradually resemble the target behavior.

Token Economy

A system where tokens are earned for desired behavior and exchanged for rewards.

Cognitive Learning

Learning that involves mental processes rather than direct experience.

Latent Learning

Learning that occurs without immediate behavioral change.

Learned Helplessness

Belief that one has no control over outcomes.

Insight Learning

Sudden realization of a solution without trial-and-error.

Observational Learning

Learning by watching others.

Key Researcher: Albert Bandura

Studied observational learning.

Bobo Doll Study

Experiment where children imitated aggressive behavior from adults.

AMID Model

Components of observational learning: Attention, Memory, Imitation, Desire.

Attention (AMID)

The focus needed to learn through observation.

Memory (AMID)

The ability to retain information observed.

Imitation (AMID)

The act of copying behavior of others.

Desire (AMID)

Motivation to replicate observed behavior.

Behavior Modification

The use of learning principles to change behavior.

Self-Regulation

Controlling one’s own behavior through various strategies.

Intrinsic Motivation

Doing something because it is inherently interesting or enjoyable.

Extrinsic Motivation

Doing something for external rewards or to avoid consequences.

Cognitive Dissonance

The mental discomfort from holding conflicting beliefs or behaviors.

Operant Conditioning vs. Classical Conditioning

Operant involves voluntary behavior; classical involves involuntary responses.

Behaviorism

The theory that focuses on observable behaviors.

Reinforcement Schedules

Different methods used in operant conditioning to determine how often a behavior is reinforced.

Social Learning Theory

Theory that emphasizes learning through observation and modeling.

Behavioral Neuroscience

Study of the biological basis of behavior.

Cognitive Behaviorism

Integration of cognitive processes with behaviorist principles.

Counterconditioning

Changing an unwanted response to a stimulus into a wanted response.

Flooding

A technique for reducing phobias by exposing the patient to the feared object or context in a safe environment.

Systematic Desensitization

A behavioral treatment for anxiety in which the patient is gradually exposed to the feared object or situation.

Aversive Conditioning

A type of conditioning that uses an unpleasant stimulus to stop a behavior.

Response Cost

The loss of a reinforcer following an unwanted behavior.

Shaping Procedure

A method used to train complex behaviors by reinforcing successive approximations.

Continuous Schedule

Provides reinforcement after every correct response.

Discriminative Stimulus

A stimulus that elicits a response after association with reinforcement.

Chain of Behaviors

A series of behaviors that lead to a reinforcing outcome.

Behavioral Contract

An agreement between two parties outlining expected behaviors and consequences.

Functional Analysis

An assessment methodology that identifies the causes and functions of behavior.

Behavior Genetics

The study of the role of genetic and environmental influences on behaviors.

Habit Formation

The process of acquiring a behavior through repetition.

Self-Efficacy

An individual's belief in their capability to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments.

Cognitive Map

A mental representation of one's physical environment.

Behavioral Assessment

A method to evaluate and measure behaviors.

Positive Punishment

Adding an unpleasant stimulus to decrease a behavior.

Negative Punishment

Removing a pleasant stimulus to decrease a behavior.

Behavioral Therapy

A type of therapy that focuses on changing unhelpful behaviors.

Natural Reinforcer

A stimulus that naturally reinforces a behavior.

Conditioned Reinforcer

A previously neutral stimulus that has become reinforcing through association.

Partial Reinforcement

Reinforcing a behavior only some of the time.

Motivational Interviewing

A counseling approach that helps individuals find the motivation to make positive decisions.

Reinforcement History

The past experiences with reinforcement that shape future behavior.

Goal Setting

The process of identifying specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives.

Behavioral Intervention Planning

Creating a plan to change behavior based on assessment data.

Clinical Behavior Analysis

Application of behavioral principles to clinical problems.

Learning Curve

A graphical representation of how an increase in learning corresponds to time.

Social Cognitive Theory

Theory that emphasizes the role of observational learning, imitation, and modeling.

Peer Influence

The impact that peers have on an individual's behavior.

Operant Conditioning Chamber

An experimental environment used to study operant conditioning.

Behavioral Economics

The study of psychological factors influencing economic decisions.

Behavioral Activation

A therapeutic intervention that aims to increase engagement in valued life activities.

Reinforcement Delay

The time period between a behavior and its reinforcement.

Delayed Gratification

The ability to resist the temptation for an immediate reward and wait for a later reward.

Self-Regulation Strategies

Techniques used to control one’s behavior and emotions.

Adaptive Learning

Learning strategies that adapt to the learner's needs.

Desensitization Therapy

A gradual exposure technique used to reduce anxiety responses.

Reciprocal Determinism

The theory that behavior is influenced by personal factors, behavior, and environmental factors.