BEHAVIORISM III

Discrimination (psychology)

The learned ability to distinguish between similar stimuli and respond only to specific ones.

Mirror neurons

Brain cells that activate both when performing an action and when observing someone else perform it.

Fixed ratio

A reinforcement schedule where a reward is given after a set number of responses.

Higher-order conditioning

When a conditioned stimulus is paired with a new neutral stimulus, creating a second conditioned response.

Reflexes

Automatic, involuntary responses to stimuli.

Instincts

Innate, unlearned patterns of behavior triggered by certain stimuli.

Observational learning

Learning that occurs through watching others and imitating their behavior.

Operant conditioning

Learning in which behavior is controlled by consequences such as rewards and punishments.

Classical conditioning

Learning through association between two stimuli—one neutral and one naturally meaningful.

Law of effect

The principle that behaviors followed by satisfying consequences are more likely to be repeated.

Fixed interval

A reinforcement schedule that rewards behavior after a specific amount of time has passed.

Variable ratio

A reinforcement schedule that rewards after an unpredictable number of responses.