Action, conditioned reflexes, genetics and evolution (Vocabulary Flashcards)

Vocabulary flashcards covering reflexes, conditioning, phylogeny/ontogeny, and different levels of selection from the lecture notes.

Reflex

An automatic, unlearned response to a specific external stimulus.

Conditioned reflex (classical conditioning)

A neutral stimulus, when paired repeatedly with an unconditioned stimulus, elicits the reflex.

Unconditioned stimulus (US)

A stimulus that naturally triggers a reflex without prior learning (e.g., food triggering salivation).

Conditioned stimulus (CS)

A previously neutral stimulus that, after association with a US, elicits the reflex.

Pavlov

Demonstrated conditioned reflexes and showed that stimuli could elicit reflexes without mentalistic explanations; often used sounds as cues.

Pavlovian conditioning

See classical conditioning; learning by association between a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus.

Skinner

Behaviorist who emphasized operant conditioning and the role of environmental reinforcement in shaping behavior.

Operant conditioning

Learning where behaviors are shaped and reinforced by their consequences.

Classical conditioning

Another term for conditioned reflex learning by association between stimuli.

Phylogeny

Evolutionary history of a species; inherited reflexes and instincts shaped by natural selection.

Ontogeny

Individual learning and development within a lifetime, shaped by reinforcement and punishment.

Natural selection

Evolutionary mechanism where heritable traits that aid survival and reproduction become more common.

Multilevel selection

David Sloan Wilson’s idea that selection operates at multiple levels (genes, individuals, groups); includes cultural selection.

Cultural selection

Behaviors and practices transmitted socially and reinforced by the environment across generations.

Contingencies of reinforcement

Environmental consequences that strengthen or weaken operant behaviors.

Contingencies of survival

Selection pressures across generations (phylogeny) that shape gene frequencies.

Mirror neurons

Neurons implicated in imitation; dysfunction linked to imitation deficits in autism; environment can shape imitation.

Imitation

Ability to learn by observing others; influenced by genes but strongly shaped by environment and reinforcement.