Intro to Psychology (week 7)

Learning

Behaviorism

A psychological approach that emphasizes the study of observable behavior, rather than inner mental states.

Dishabituation

An increase in responding caused by a change in something familiar

Classical Conditioning

A learning process in which a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus, leading to a conditioned response.

Unconditioned stimulus

Is a stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response without prior learning.

Conditioned Stimulus

A signal that has no importance to the organism until it is paired with something that does have importance.

Operant Conditioning

A learning process through which behaviors are modified by reinforcement or punishment.

Thorndike’s Law of Effect

When a behavior has a positive effect, it is likely to be repeated.

Behaviorism

A learning theory that emphasizes observable behaviors and the ways they can be measured and changed.

Cognitivism

A learning theory that focuses on the mental processes involved in learning, such as perception, memory, and problem-solving.

Constructivism

An educational theory that posits learners construct their own understanding and knowledge of the world, through experiencing things and reflecting on those experiences.