AP Psychology - Conditioning

Behavioral Perspective

An approach that focuses on observable, measurable, behaviors and rexleces.

Classical Conditioning

A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired.

The unconditioned stimulus elicits an unconditioned response, leading to the conditioned stimulus eventually triggering a conditioned response.

Association

The process of linking two stimuli together in the mind.

Acquisition

The initial stage of learning

Classical Conditioning = reflexes

Operant Conditioning = behaviors

Associative Learning

Learning that occurs when an individual makes a connection between two events. Associations are formed based on experiences.

Positive reinforcement

Adding something, may be a reward, but does not mean good, it simply adds something to increase the likelihood of a behavior reoccurring.

Operant Conditioning

Voluntary behaviors are influenced by the consequences that follow them, reinforcing desirable actions and discouraging undesirable ones.

Negative Reinforcement

Taking away, such as removing stress by doing homework.

This is not punishment, but subtracts unpleasant stimuli.

Primary reinforcers

Naturally reinforcing stimuli that satisfy a biological need.

(Food, water, shelter, warmth, socializing)

Secondary reinforcers

Learned stimuli that can be traded in for primary.

(Downloading an app that gives you points any time you buy something, that you can later trade in for a free item)

Punishment

Decreases the likelihood of a behavior. Involes in adding an upleasant stimulus, or removing a pleasant stimulus.

Law of Effect

Thorndike’s principle that positive action increases a behavior, and negative action decreases a behavior.

Token Economy

Secondary reinforcers can be traded in for primary rewards

Reinforcement Generalization

Behaviors in one situation will usually pay off in another situation.

Shaping

Gradually teaching a complex behavior by reinforcing simpler ones

Instinctive drift

The tendency for animals to revert to instinctual behaviors, even after being conditioned.

Superstitious behavior

Behavior that occurs because it has accidentally been reinforced.

Learned Helplessness

Tendency to give up trying because of generalized failure from past behaviors.

Continuous reinforcement

Reinforcing the desired response each instance of behavior. This schedule leads to faster learning but can result in rapid extinction if reinforcement stops.

Fixed Interval

A reinforcement schedule where rewards are provided after a specific time period, promoting consistent behavior at the end of each interval.

(Paycheck)

Fixed Ratio

A reinforcement schedule where rewards are given after a specific number of responses, encouraging high rates of responding.

(Buy 3 get one free)

Variable Interval

A reinforcement schedule where rewards are provided after varying time periods, leading to steady but moderate rates of responding.

(Weather)

Variable Ratio

A reinforcement schedule where rewards are given after an unpredictable number of responses, resulting in high and consistent rates of responding.

(Random luck, gambling)

Scalloped graph

A graph that shows the pattern of responding in a fixed interval reifnrcement schedule

Social learning theory

The theory that we learn social behaviors by observing and imitating others

Modeling

Demonstrating a behavior so it can be imitated

Vicarious conditioning

Learning that occurs by observing consequences of other’s actions. Observational learning.