Lab 3: Stimulus Control - PSYC302L Lecture Notes

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to stimulus control in the context of learning and memory, specifically regarding excitatory and inhibitory discrimination, generalization, and operant conditioning as outlined in the Lab 3 lecture.

Excitatory Discrimination

A learning process where a subject learns to respond to a specific stimulus (S+) that is paired with reinforcement.

Inhibitory Discrimination

A learning process where a subject learns to inhibit responses to a specific stimulus (S-) that is not paired with reinforcement.

Generalization Gradient

A graphical representation showing the likelihood of a subject's response to varying stimulus intensities, indicating how generalization occurs.

Cumulative Records Window

A visualization tool in the experiment that displays the total number of responses over time.

DS Response Strength Window

A window that indicates the response strength of the subject based on the stimulus presented, reflecting excitatory or inhibitory tendencies.

Operant Conditioning Experiment

A method of learning that employs rewards and punishments for behavior.

Bar-Sound Association

The learned association between the action of pressing the bar and the sound stimulus presented.

Continuous Schedule

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

Extinction

The process by which a conditioned response is diminished or eliminated by the removal of reinforcement.

Dual Discrimination

An experiment involving both excitatory (S+) and inhibitory (S-) stimuli to assess the discrimination capability of a subject.

Generalization Test

A test used to measure how well a subject responds to stimuli that are similar to the conditioned stimulus.

Bell-Shaped Distribution

A graphical representation of data that resembles a bell shape, typical for response strength around a conditioned stimulus.

Obnoxious Tone

A term used to describe a sound that is unpleasant or annoying, which can distract or affect the subject's behavior during the experiment.

Training Completion Criteria

Specific standards to assess whether the training of the subject has been successfully completed.