Chapter 6 Learning

These flashcards cover various concepts related to learning, including different types of conditioning, reinforcement, cognitive learning, and observational learning.

What is learning in psychology?

A relatively permanent change in behavior or knowledge due to experience (not instincts or reflexes).

Why is learning important?

It allows humans to adapt, gain skills, and survive in changing environments.

What are the three main types of learning?

Classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and observational learning.

What do classical and operant conditioning have in common?

They are both forms of associative learning (connecting events).

What is classical conditioning?

Learning by associating two stimuli together.

What is the key idea of classical conditioning?

A neutral stimulus becomes a trigger for a response after repeated pairing.

What is a Unconditioned Stimulus?

A stimulus that naturally causes a response.

What is a Unconditioned Response?

The natural, unlearned response.

What is a Conditioned Stimulus?

A previously neutral stimulus that now causes a response.

What is a Conditioned Response?

The learned response.

What is acquisition?

The initial learning of the association.

What is extinction?

The disappearance of a learned response.

What is spontaneous recovery?

The return of a learned response after a break.

What is stimulus generalization?

Responding to similar stimuli.

What is stimulus discrimination?

Telling the difference between stimuli.

How does classical conditioning affect real life?

It explains fears, emotional reactions, habits, and even advertising.

What is operant conditioning?

Learning based on consequences after a behavior.

What is the key idea of operant conditioning?

Behavior is shaped by rewards and punishments.

What is reinforcement?

Increases a behavior.

What is punishment?

Decreases a behavior.

What is positive reinforcement?

Adding something good to increase behavior.

What is negative reinforcement?

Removing something bad to increase behavior.

What is positive punishment?

Adding something bad to decrease behavior.

What is negative punishment?

Taking away something good to decrease behavior.

What is a primary reinforcer?

Naturally rewarding (food, water).

What is a secondary reinforcer?

Learned reward (money, grades).

What is shaping?

Reinforcing steps toward a desired behavior.

Why are reinforcement schedules important?

They affect how strong and consistent a behavior becomes.

What is a fixed ratio schedule?

Reward after a set number of responses.

What is a variable ratio schedule?

Reward after an unpredictable number (strongest behavior).

What is a fixed interval schedule?

Reward after a set time.

What is a variable interval schedule?

Reward after random time intervals.

What is observational learning?

Learning by watching others.

Why is Bandura important?

He showed behavior can be learned without direct experience.

What are the 4 steps of modeling?

Attention, retention, reproduction, motivation.

Why is observational learning important?

It explains how people learn behaviors, attitudes, and social skills by watching others.