Psych vocab

Fixed-interval Schedule

A reinforcement schedule in which the first response is rewarded only after a specified time interval has elapsed.

Secondary Reinforcer

A stimulus that reinforces a behavior after it has been associated with a primary reinforcer.

Negative Reinforcement

The removal or avoidance of an aversive stimulus, which increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.

Instinctive Drift

The tendency of animals to revert to innate, instinctual behaviors that interfere with operant conditioning.

The Law of Effect

Proposed by Edward L. Thorndike, it states that behaviors followed by satisfying consequences are more likely to be repeated.

Acquisition

The initial stage of learning when a response is first established and gradually strengthened through reinforcement.

Positive Reinforcement

The presentation of a desirable stimulus following a behavior, which increases the likelihood of that behavior being repeated.

Social Learning Theory

Proposed by Albert Bandura, it emphasizes the role of observation, imitation, and modeling in learning.

Habituation

A decrease in response to a stimulus after repeated exposure, reflecting a form of learning.

Insight Learning

A sudden realization of a problem's solution; a form of problem-solving.

Variable-Ratio Schedule

A reinforcement schedule in which reinforcement is delivered after a variable number of responses.

Continuous Reinforcement Schedule

A reinforcement schedule in which every occurrence of the desired behavior is reinforced.

Learned Helplessness

A condition in which a person suffers from a sense of powerlessness due to previous failures.

Reinforcement Discrimination

The ability to respond differently to similar but distinct stimuli.

Latent Learning

A form of learning that occurs without reinforcement and may not be immediately evident.

Punishment

A consequence that decreases the likelihood of a behavior recurring.

Unconditioned Stimulus

A stimulus that naturally triggers an unconditioned response without prior learning.

Conditioned Stimulus

A previously neutral stimulus that elicits a conditioned response after being paired with an unconditioned stimulus.

Fixed-Ratio Schedule

A reinforcement schedule in which reinforcement is delivered after a fixed number of responses.

Unconditioned Response

An automatic and unlearned response to a stimulus.

Shaping

A technique used in operant conditioning to gradually modify behavior by reinforcing successive approximations.

Variable-Interval Schedule

A reinforcement schedule in which reinforcement is delivered after varying time intervals.

Cognitive Map

A mental representation of one's spatial environment.

Operant Conditioning

A type of learning where behavior is strengthened or weakened by consequences that follow it.

Cognitive Learning

Encourages students to engage fully in the learning process to facilitate learning.

Negative Punishment

The removal of a desired stimulus after a behavior to decrease that behavior.

Positive Punishment

The presentation of an aversive stimulus after a behavior to decrease that behavior.

Conditioned Response

A learned response to a previously neutral stimulus, acquired through classical conditioning.