Learning

Cognitive Learning

Learning that involves understanding, knowing, and applying information rather than just behavior.

Acquisition

The initial learning stage in classical conditioning where linking stimuli occurs.

Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)

A stimulus that elicits a reflexive response without prior learning.

Unconditioned Response (UCR)

A reflexive response that occurs naturally in reaction to a UCS.

Neutral Stimulus (NS)

A stimulus that initially has no effect on the subject's response.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

An initially neutral stimulus that, after conditioning, comes to elicit a conditioned response.

Conditioned Response (CR)

The learned response to a previously neutral stimulus that has become conditioned.

Spontaneous Recovery

The reappearance of a conditioned response after a pause, following extinction.

Generalization

The process of extending a conditioned response to stimuli that are similar to the conditioned stimulus.

Discrimination Learning

The ability to differentiate between similar stimuli and respond appropriately.

Operant Conditioning

A learning process that involves associating behavior with its consequences.

Reinforcer

Any stimulus that follows a behavior and strengthens it.

Positive Reinforcement

Strengthening behavior by presenting a positive stimulus after the behavior occurs.

Negative Reinforcement

Strengthening behavior by removing an unpleasant stimulus.

Schedules of Reinforcement

Different patterns of frequency and timing of reinforcement to increase desired behaviors.

Fixed Ratio Schedule

Reinforcement after a specified number of responses.

Variable Ratio Schedule

Reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses.

Fixed Interval Schedule

Reinforcement after a specific amount of time has passed.

Variable Interval Schedule

Reinforcement after varying amounts of time.

Punishment

An aversive consequence used to weaken behavior.

Positive Punishment

The application of an aversive stimulus to decrease behavior.

Negative Punishment

The removal of a reinforcer to decrease unwanted behavior.

Cognitive Maps

Mental representations of physical locations, used in spatial learning.

Observational Learning

Learning that occurs through observing the behavior of others.