Learning and Conditioning Concepts

These flashcards cover key concepts and terms related to learning theories, specifically classical and operant conditioning as well as observational learning.

Classical Conditioning

A type of associative learning where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a conditioned response.

Operant Conditioning

A learning process through which the consequences of a behavior determine the likelihood of that behavior being repeated.

Neutral Stimulus (NS)

A stimulus that initially produces no specific response until it is paired with an unconditioned stimulus.

Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)

A stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response without prior conditioning.

Conditioned Response (CR)

The learned response to a previously neutral stimulus that has become conditioned.

Unconditioned Response (UCR)

An unlearned response that occurs naturally in reaction to the unconditioned stimulus.

Positive Reinforcement

The addition of a stimulus following a behavior that makes the behavior more likely to occur in the future.

Negative Reinforcement

The removal of an unpleasant stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.

Positive Punishment

The addition of a stimulus to decrease the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.

Negative Punishment

The removal of a desirable stimulus to reduce the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.

Extinction (in Classical Conditioning)

The reduction and elimination of a conditioned response when the conditioned stimulus is presented without the unconditioned stimulus.

Spontaneous Recovery

The reappearance of a conditioned response after a rest period following extinction.

Stimulus Generalization

The tendency for an organism to respond to stimuli that are similar to the conditioned stimulus.

Stimulus Discrimination

The learned ability to distinguish between similar stimuli.

Reinforcement Schedule

The rules that determine how and when certain responses will be reinforced.

Observational Learning

Learning that occurs through observing and imitating the behavior of others.

Mirror Neurons

Neurons that fire both when an individual performs an action and when they observe someone else perform that action.