Basic Learning Concepts and Conditioning

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to basic learning concepts, classical conditioning, and operant conditioning.

Learning

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

Classical Conditioning

A type of learning in which an organism comes to associate stimuli and anticipate events.

Pavlov's Experiment

Classical conditioning demonstrated through Pavlov’s work, where dogs learned to associate a tone with food.

Unconditioned Response (UR)

An event that occurs naturally in response to a stimulus, such as salivation when food is presented.

Unconditioned Stimulus (US)

Something that naturally and automatically triggers an unlearned response.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

An originally neutral stimulus that, after association with an unconditioned stimulus, triggers a conditioned response.

Conditioned Response (CR)

The learned response to the conditioned stimulus.

Acquisition

The initial stage of learning in classical conditioning where the neutral stimulus is associated with an unconditioned stimulus.

Extinction

Diminished responding occurring when the conditioned stimulus appears without the unconditioned stimulus.

Spontaneous Recovery

The reappearance of a weakened conditioned response after a rest period.

Generalization

The tendency to respond similarly to stimuli that resemble the conditioned stimulus.

Discrimination

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

Operant Conditioning

A type of learning where behavior becomes more likely if followed by a reinforcer or less likely if followed by a punisher.

Reinforcer

Any event that strengthens the behavior it follows.

Positive Reinforcement

Adding a desirable stimulus to increase the frequency of a behavior.

Negative Reinforcement

Reducing or removing an aversive stimulus to increase the frequency of a behavior.

Primary Reinforcers

Innately satisfying reinforcers that do not require learning.

Conditioned Reinforcers

Satisfying reinforcers that have been learned through association.

Continuous Reinforcement

Reinforcing desired responses every time they occur, leading to rapid learning and extinction.

Partial Reinforcement

Reinforcing responses only sometimes, leading to slower learning but greater resistance to extinction.

Punishment

An event that aims to decrease the frequency of a behavior.

Cognitive Processes

Mental processes that influence classical and operant conditioning, including awareness and expectancy.

Observational Learning

Learning by watching and imitating others rather than through direct experience.

Social Learning

Another term for observational learning, emphasizing the social context.

Prosocial Modeling

Modeling positive behaviors that encourage constructive actions in others.

Antisocial Modeling

Modeling negative behaviors that can lead to harmful actions.

Bystander Effect

The phenomenon where individuals are less likely to help a victim when others are present.

Social Exchange Theory

The view that we help others because it is in our self-interest to do so.

Cognitive Dissonance Theory

The theory that we change our attitudes to match our actions when they don't align.