Untitled Flashcards Set

Operant Conditioning

Learning based on the association of consequences with behaviors, unlike classical conditioning.

Thorndike’s Law of Effect

Behaviors followed by pleasant consequences are more likely to be repeated, whereas those followed by unpleasant consequences are less likely.

Skinner Box

A device invented by B.F. Skinner where animals can perform actions to obtain food as a reinforcer.

Positive Reinforcement

Adding a pleasant stimulus after a behavior to increase the likelihood of that behavior being repeated.

Negative Reinforcement

Removing an unpleasant stimulus after a behavior to increase the likelihood of that behavior being repeated.

Positive Punishment

Adding an unpleasant stimulus to decrease the likelihood of a behavior.

Negative Punishment

Removing a pleasant stimulus to decrease the likelihood of a behavior.

Continuous Reinforcement

Rewarding a behavior every time it occurs.

Partial Reinforcement

Rewarding a behavior intermittently rather than every time.

Fixed-Ratio Schedule

Reinforcement after a set number of responses.

Variable-Ratio Schedule

Reinforcement after a variable number of responses, resulting in higher resistance to extinction.

Fixed-Interval Schedule

Reinforcement after a fixed amount of time has passed.

Variable-Interval Schedule

Reinforcement after a variable amount of time has passed.

Shaping

Reinforcing successive approximations toward a desired behavior.

Chaining

Linking a series of behaviors to create a complex activity.

Instinctive Drift

The tendency for animals to revert to instinctive behaviors, potentially conflicting with learned behaviors.

Observational Learning

Learning that occurs by watching others, as demonstrated in Bandura's Bobo doll experiment.

Latent Learning

Learning that is not immediately expressed until reinforcement is provided.

Abstract Learning

Understanding concepts beyond simple behaviors, such as recognizing categories.

Insight Learning

Sudden realizations of solutions to problems, illustrated by Köhler’s study with chimpanzees.