Psychology Chapter 6: Observational Learning, Biology & Conditioning

What is classical conditioning?

A learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a conditioned stimulus, evoking a conditioned response.

What is operant conditioning?

A type of learning where voluntary behavior is associated with consequences.

What does the Social Cognitive Learning view emphasize?

It emphasizes that attitudes, beliefs, expectations, motivations, and emotions affect learning.

What is observational learning?

Learning new behaviors or information by watching and imitating others, also known as social learning or modeling.

What was the purpose of the Bobo Doll Study?

To determine whether children learn aggressive behaviors by observing others.

How does observational learning influence social behavior?

It helps individuals learn how to think, feel, act, and interact socially.

What are some examples of what we learn through observation?

Prejudice, stereotypes, fashion trends, dietary choices, and concepts of 'the good life'.

What happens in the brain when we learn something new?

New synaptic connections are created and alterations occur in a wide network of brain structures.

What were the findings of the 1960s research on rats in enriched environments?

Rats showed thicker cortex, increased nerve growth factor, more developed synapses, and improved test performance.

What is the role of the amygdala in classical conditioning?

It is critical for fear conditioning, linking painful stimuli to freezing responses.

What are mirror neurons and their significance?

Neurons that fire when an action is performed or observed, essential for imitation and survival.

What is biological preparedness?

The tendency for certain species to easily learn specific associations, such as food aversions.

Why do rats develop strong food aversions to taste and smell stimuli?

Because they are biologically prepared to associate these stimuli with food safety.

What is conditioned taste aversion?

A learned dislike for a specific taste that develops after a single pairing with nausea.

What is instinctive drift?

The tendency for conditioned responses to revert back to innate response patterns.

How does the autonomic nervous system respond during fear conditioning?

It increases heart rate and blood pressure, releasing stress hormones.

What is the significance of the four factors in observational learning for a child aspiring to be a ballerina?

They help maximize learning through imitation and understanding of the desired behavior.

What is the relationship between observational learning and media?

Media influences what behaviors and norms are observed and imitated by individuals.

What is the effect of living in an enriched environment on brain development?

It leads to thicker cortex and more developed synaptic connections.

What is the primary focus of cognitive learning?

Understanding how mental processes influence learning.

What is the impact of observational learning on societal behaviors?

It can propagate societal norms, prejudices, and stereotypes.

What is the significance of the term 'social learning'?

It highlights the role of social context and observation in the learning process.