PSYC 1000 – Unit 5: Learning

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from PSYC 1000 Unit 5 on learning, including classical and operant conditioning, observational and cognitive learning, and biological influences.

Learning

A relatively permanent change in behavior or knowledge that results from experience.

Classical Conditioning

Type of learning in which an organism forms associations between two stimuli so that a neutral stimulus elicits a reflexive response.

Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)

A stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response (e.g., food).

Unconditioned Response (UCR)

The unlearned, naturally occurring reaction to the UCS (e.g., salivation to food).

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

Originally neutral stimulus that, after being paired with the UCS, triggers a learned response (e.g., bell).

Conditioned Response (CR)

Learned reaction to the CS (e.g., salivation to bell).

Acquisition

Initial stage in classical conditioning when the association between CS and UCS is first learned.

Extinction

Diminishing of a conditioned response when the CS is repeatedly presented without the UCS.

Spontaneous Recovery

Reappearance of an extinguished conditioned response after a pause.

Generalization

Tendency to respond to stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus.

Discrimination

Learned ability to distinguish between a conditioned stimulus and other irrelevant stimuli.

Operant Conditioning

Learning in which behavior is strengthened or weakened by its consequences.

Law of Effect

Thorndike/Skinner principle: behaviors followed by satisfying outcomes are more likely to recur, those followed by unpleasant outcomes are less likely.

Positive Reinforcement

Adding a pleasant stimulus to increase a behavior.

Negative Reinforcement

Removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase a behavior.

Positive Punishment

Adding an unpleasant stimulus to decrease a behavior.

Negative Punishment

Removing a pleasant stimulus to decrease a behavior.

Fixed Ratio Schedule

Reinforcement delivered after a set number of responses.

Variable Ratio Schedule

Reinforcement delivered after an unpredictable number of responses.

Fixed Interval Schedule

Reinforcement delivered for the first response after a set time period.

Variable Interval Schedule

Reinforcement delivered for the first response after varying time intervals.

Shaping

Gradually guiding behavior toward a desired goal by reinforcing successive approximations.

Observational Learning (Modeling)

Learning by watching and imitating others’ behavior.

Bobo Doll Experiment

Bandura study showing children imitate aggressive adult models.

Attention (in Observational Learning)

Observer must focus on the model’s behavior.

Retention

Observer must remember the behavior to reproduce it later.

Reproduction

Observer must have the ability to perform the observed behavior.

Motivation

Observer must want or expect a reward to copy the behavior.

Cognitive Learning

Learning that involves mental processes such as thinking, knowing, and problem solving.

Latent Learning

Learning that is not immediately expressed until there is an incentive to demonstrate it (Tolman).

Insight Learning

Sudden realization of a problem’s solution without trial-and-error (Köhler’s chimps).

Preparedness

Biological predisposition to learn certain associations more easily than others.

Instinctive Drift

Tendency for learned behavior to gradually revert to biologically predisposed patterns.

Learned Helplessness

Passive resignation learned when unable to avoid repeated aversive events (Seligman).

Mirror Neurons

Frontal lobe neurons that fire when performing or observing an action, underlying empathy and imitation.