Exploring Psychology: Learning Concepts

These flashcards cover the key concepts of learning, classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and observational learning as outlined in the lecture notes.

What is learning?

The process of acquiring new and relatively enduring information or behaviors through experience.

What is associative learning?

Learning that certain events occur together, which may involve two stimuli or a response and its consequences.

Define classical conditioning.

A type of learning in which one learns to link two or more stimuli and anticipate events.

What is operant conditioning?

A type of learning in which behavior is strengthened if followed by a reinforcer or diminished if followed by a punisher.

What is a neutral stimulus (NS) in classical conditioning?

A stimulus that elicits no response before conditioning.

Define unconditioned response (UR).

An unlearned, naturally occurring response to an unconditioned stimulus.

What is an unconditioned stimulus (US)?

A stimulus that automatically triggers an unconditioned response.

What does conditioned response (CR) refer to?

A learned response to a previously neutral stimulus.

Define conditioned stimulus (CS).

An originally irrelevant stimulus that, after association with an unconditioned stimulus, comes to trigger a conditioned response.

What is acquisition in classical conditioning?

The initial stage where one links a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus.

What is extinction in classical conditioning?

The diminishing of a conditioned response when an unconditioned stimulus does not follow a conditioned stimulus.

What is spontaneous recovery?

The reappearance of an extinguished conditioned response after a pause.

Define generalization in classical conditioning.

The tendency for stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus to elicit similar responses.

What is discrimination in classical conditioning?

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

Who is B. F. Skinner?

A modern behaviorist known for his work in operant conditioning and for developing the operant chamber.

What is shaping in operant conditioning?

Gradually guiding behavior toward closer approximations of the desired behavior.

Define positive reinforcement.

Increasing behaviors by presenting positive reinforcers.

What is negative reinforcement?

Increasing behaviors by stopping or reducing negative stimuli.

What is the difference between primary and conditioned reinforcers?

Primary reinforcers satisfy biological needs, while conditioned reinforcers gain power through association with primary reinforcers.

What is punishment in operant conditioning?

Administering an undesirable consequence or withdrawing something desirable to decrease the frequency of a behavior.

What are the major drawbacks of physical punishment?

It can suppress behavior but not eliminate it, teach discrimination among situations, instill fear, and increase aggression.

What is observational learning?

Learning without direct experience by watching and imitating others.

Who conducted the Bobo doll experiment?

Albert Bandura, demonstrating children’s imitation of adult behavior.

What are mirror neurons?

Frontal lobe neurons that fire when performing certain actions or observing another doing so.

How can observational learning have prosocial effects?

Modeling nonviolent, helpful behavior encourages similar behavior in others.

What are antisocial effects of observational learning?

Experiencing or witnessing violence may teach aggressive behavior and foster indifference.