Exam Preparation: Learning Theories and Memory

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts in learning theories and memory, focused on the Partial Reinforcement Extinction Effect, frustration theory, Bouton's extinction theory, and experimental findings related to memory in animals.

PREE

Partial Reinforcement Extinction Effect; refers to behaviors learned through partial reinforcement that persist longer after reinforcement stops compared to those learned through continuous reinforcement.

Discrimination Hypothesis

An explanation of the PREE that posits individuals used to partial reinforcement do not give up easily, while those used to continuous reinforcement do.

Frustration Theory

Theory suggesting that intermittent reinforcement creates mixed signals that lead to continued responding during extinction.

Magnitude of Reinforcement Extinction Effect (MREE)

Effect where larger rewards lead to stronger expectations and greater frustration during extinction, resulting in quicker drop in responses.

Bouton’s Theory of Extinction

The theory that extinction creates a new memory (CS means no US), but does not erase the original CS-US learning.

ABA Renewal

A context renewal effect where conditioning happens in context A, extinction in context B, and testing returns to context A, eliciting the original response.

ABC Renewal

A context renewal effect where conditioning happens in context A, extinction in context B, and testing occurs in a new context C, leading to reappearance of conditioned response.

Reinstatement Effect

A phenomenon in Pavlovian conditioning where the conditioned response reappears if the unconditioned stimulus is presented after extinction.

Two-Process Theory

A theory stating that avoidance behavior occurs because a warning signal elicits fear, and the avoidance response reduces this fear.

Cognitive Expectancy Theory

A theory of avoidance stating that the behavior is driven by the expectation that the response will prevent an aversive event, not necessarily involving fear.

Directed Forgetting in Animals

An experiment showing that animals can intentionally forget information when given a forget cue, as evidenced by pigeons performing poorly after a forget cue.

Retrospective Memory

Memory of past experiences or stimuli.

Prospective Memory

The ability to remember to perform an action or retrieve a memory for future use.

Active Working Memory

Refers to the rehearsal of information actively in the mind, leading to better recall, as opposed to passive models.