Understanding Behavior: Modern Paradigms in Behavioral Medicine

This set of flashcards covers essential vocabulary and concepts related to behavioral medicine for dogs and cats, as outlined in the lecture notes.

Reactivity

The tendency of an animal to respond to stimuli, often leading to behaviors such as aggression or anxiety.

Phenotypic diagnosis

Classification of a condition based on observable traits or behaviors rather than underlying causes.

Desensitization

A behavioral technique aimed at reducing fear responses by gradual exposure to the feared stimulus.

Counter-conditioning

A technique that replaces an undesirable response to a stimulus with a desired response by pairing it with a positive reinforcement.

Habituation

A simple form of learning where an organism decreases its response to a stimulus after repeated exposure.

Punishment

An intervention that decreases the probability of a behavior occurring in the future by applying an aversive stimulus or removing a pleasant stimulus.

Positive reinforcement

A method of encouraging desired behaviors by presenting a reward after the behavior occurs.

Neuroanatomy

The study of the structure and organization of the nervous system, including brain regions related to behavior.

Genetic predisposition

An inherited tendency to develop certain traits or behaviors based on an individual's genetic makeup.

Anxiety

An emotional response characterized by feelings of apprehension or fear, often involving physiological responses.

Behavior modification

A systematic approach designed to change specific behaviors, often using techniques such as reinforcement or punishment.

Epidemiological studies

Research that examines the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in defined populations.

Diagnostic criteria

Standardized guidelines used to identify and classify health or behavioral conditions.

Second-order reinforcer

A stimulus that gains its reinforcing power through its association with a primary reinforcer.

Learning theory

A field of research focused on understanding how behaviors are acquired, changed, and maintained through various types of conditioning.

Flooding

A behavioral technique involving intense exposure to a feared stimulus with the goal of reducing fear responses.

Social environment

The context of interactions between individuals within a group, influencing behavior and responses.

Genomic code

The complete set of genetic information contained within an individual’s DNA that shapes their traits and behaviors.