Psych #11

Classical conditioning

A learning method where two stimuli are associated so that one predicts the other.

Association

A learning process in which connections are formed between events that occur together.

Acquisition

The initial stage of learning when an association between stimuli is first formed.

Unconditioned stimulus (UCS)

A stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response without learning.

Unconditioned response (UR)

A natural, automatic reaction to an unconditioned stimulus.

Conditioned response (CR)

A learned response triggered by a conditioned stimulus.

Conditioned stimulus (CS)

A previously neutral stimulus that, after pairing with a UCS, triggers a conditioned response.

Extinction

The weakening and disappearance of a conditioned response when the CS is presented without the UCS.

Spontaneous recovery

The reappearance of an extinguished conditioned response after a rest period.

Stimulus discrimination

The ability to distinguish between similar stimuli and respond differently to them.

Stimulus generalization

The tendency to respond to stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus.

Higher-order conditioning

A process in which a conditioned stimulus is paired with a new neutral stimulus, creating a new conditioned response.

Counterconditioning

Replacing an unwanted response with a more desirable response by pairing it with a new stimulus.

Taste aversion

A learned avoidance of a food after it becomes associated with illness.

One-trial conditioning

Learning that occurs after only one pairing of stimuli.

Biological preparedness

An innate tendency to quickly learn associations important for survival.

Habituation

A decreased response to a repeated or continuous stimulus.

Operant conditioning

Learning in which behavior is shaped by consequences such as reinforcement or punishment.

Law of Effect

Behaviors followed by positive outcomes are repeated, while those followed by negative outcomes are not.

Positive reinforcement

Adding a desirable stimulus to increase a behavior.

Negative reinforcement

Removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase a behavior.

Positive punishment

Adding an unpleasant stimulus to decrease a behavior.

Negative punishment

Removing a desirable stimulus to decrease a behavior.

Primary reinforcers

Rewards that satisfy basic biological needs and require no learning.

Secondary reinforcers

Rewards that gain value through learning, such as money or praise.