Psych Unit 4

Classical Conditioning

A method of learning in which a stimulus is paired with an automatic response.

Neutral Stimulus (NS)

A stimulus that elicits no response before conditioning.

Unconditioned Response (UR)

A natural, automatically occurring response to an unconditioned stimulus.

Unconditioned Stimulus (US)

A stimulus that naturally and automatically elicits a response.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

A previously neutral stimulus that triggers a learned response.

Conditioned Response (CR)

A learned response now associated with a previously neutral stimulus.

Acquisition

The initial stage of learning when a response is first established.

Extinction

The process through which the conditioned response diminishes or disappears.

Spontaneous Recovery

The re-emergence of a previously extinguished conditioned response after a rest period.

Generalization

The tendency to respond in the same way to different but similar stimuli.

Discrimination

The ability to distinguish between different stimuli and respond appropriately.

Operant Conditioning

A type of associative learning where behavior is modified through rewards and punishments.

Positive Reinforcement

Adding a stimulus to increase the likelihood of a desired behavior.

Negative Reinforcement

Removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase the likelihood of a desired behavior.

Primary Reinforcer

A reinforcer that satisfies a biological need, such as food or water.

Secondary Reinforcer

A stimulus that gains its reinforcing power through its association with a primary reinforcer.

Fixed-ratio Schedule

A reinforcement schedule that provides rewards after a specified number of responses.

Variable-ratio Schedule

A reinforcement schedule that provides rewards after an unpredictable number of responses.

Fixed-interval Schedule

A reinforcement schedule that provides rewards after a specific amount of time has passed.

Variable-interval Schedule

A reinforcement schedule that provides rewards at unpredictable time intervals.

Punishment

A consequence used to decrease the likelihood of an undesired behavior.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy

A therapeutic approach that modifies behavior through conditioning techniques.