Module 3

Behaviorism

Focuses on observable behavior and environmental stimuli.

Equipotentiality

Humans and animals learn in similar ways.

Stimulus-Response (S-R) Theory

Learning is based on external stimuli and responses.

Black Box Theory

Internal processes are not considered in behaviorism.

Tabula Rasa

Organisms are born as blank slates, with no innate behaviors.

Neutral Stimulus (NS)

A stimulus that initially elicits no response.

Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)

A stimulus that naturally triggers a response.

Unconditioned Response (UCR)

A natural, automatic reaction to UCS.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

A previously neutral stimulus that triggers a response after association.

Conditioned Response (CR)

A learned response to a CS.

Associative Bias

Some stimuli are more likely to be associated than others.

Contingency

The CS must reliably predict the UCS.

Extinction

Gradual weakening of the conditioned response when the CS is presented without the UCS.

Spontaneous Recovery

Reappearance of a CR after extinction and a rest period.

Generalization

Responding similarly to different but related stimuli.

Stimulus Discrimination

Learning to respond to one stimulus but not to similar stimuli.

Higher-Order Conditioning

A neutral stimulus becomes a CS by being paired with an existing CS.

Little Albert Experiment

Demonstrated how fear can be classically conditioned.

Counterconditioning

Replacing an unwanted CR with a new response.

Systematic Desensitization

Gradual exposure to feared stimuli while practicing relaxation.

Edward Thorndike’s Puzzle Box

Demonstrated trial-and-error learning in cats.

Law of Effect

Behaviors followed by satisfaction are strengthened; those followed by discomfort are weakened.

Revised Law of Effect

Rewards strengthen behavior, but punishment has an indirect effect.

B.F. Skinner’s Operant Conditioning

Behavior is shaped by reinforcement or punishment.

Skinner Box

A controlled environment to study operant conditioning.

Reinforcer

A stimulus that increases the likelihood of a behavior.

Reinforcement

The process of increasing behavior by following it with a reinforcer.

Positive Reinforcement

Adding a pleasant stimulus to strengthen behavior.

Negative Reinforcement

Removing an aversive stimulus to strengthen behavior.

Punishment

A consequence that decreases the frequency of a behavior.

Punishment I (Positive Punishment)

Adding an aversive stimulus to reduce behavior.

Punishment II (Negative Punishment)

Removing a pleasant stimulus to reduce behavior.

Superstitious Behavior

Accidental reinforcement of random behaviors.

Shaping

Reinforcing successive approximations of a desired behavior.

Chaining

Teaching complex behaviors step-by-step.

Continuous Reinforcement

Reinforcing every correct response.

Intermittent Reinforcement

Reinforcing only some responses.

Fixed Interval (FI) Schedule

Reinforcement after a set period.

Variable Interval (VI) Schedule

Reinforcement after unpredictable time intervals.

Fixed Ratio (FR) Schedule

Reinforcement after a set number of responses.

Variable Ratio (VR) Schedule

Reinforcement after a varying number of responses.

Differential Reinforcement

Reinforcing specific response rates.

DRH (Differential Rate of High Responding)

Reinforcement for high rates of responding.

DRL (Differential Rate of Low Responding)

Reinforcement for low rates of responding.

Cueing (Prompting)

Using additional stimuli to signal behavior.

Discriminative Stimuli

Signals that a response will be reinforced.

Stimulus Control

When behavior is influenced by certain stimuli.

Setting Events

Environmental conditions that affect behavior.

Behavioral Momentum

When similar behaviors increase the likelihood of desired behavior.

Generalization

Responding the same way in different situations.

Stimulus Discrimination

Learning that behavior is reinforced in one situation but not another.

Active Avoidance Learning

Taking action to prevent an aversive stimulus.

Passive Avoidance Learning

Avoiding an aversive stimulus by not doing something.

Instrumental Conditioning

Includes both reinforcement and punishment.

Verbal Reprimands

Scolding as a mild form of punishment.

Restitution

Restoring the environment after misbehavior.

Overcorrection

Exceeding simple restitution by making things better.

Time-Out

Temporarily removing reinforcement.

In-House Suspension

Removing students from normal activities but keeping them engaged in learning.

Response Cost

Withdrawing a previously earned reinforcer (e.g., fines).

Physical Punishment

Can lead to aggression and fear.

Psychological Punishment

Damaging self-esteem through humiliation.

Extra Classwork

Assigning more work as a punishment.

Out-of-School Suspension

Often ineffective in behavior modification.

Missing Recess

Can reduce concentration and productivity.

Contrast Effects

Changes in reinforcement alter motivation.

Elation Effect

Increased reinforcement leads to increased performance.

Depression Effect

Decreased reinforcement leads to reduced performance.

Backward Design

Planning instruction by starting with learning goals.

Formative Assessment

Ongoing assessment to monitor learning.

Summative Assessment

Final evaluation at the end of instruction.

High-Stakes Tests

Summative tests affecting promotions and funding.

Active Responding

Engaging students through participation.

Terminal Behavior

Clearly defined learning outcomes.

Programmed Instruction

Step-by-step learning with reinforcement.

Mastery Learning

Ensuring students master each unit before progressing.

Shaping in Instruction

Gradual reinforcement of more complex responses.

Extinction

Ensuring a behavior is no longer reinforced.

Noncontingent Reinforcement

Giving rewards independently of behavior.

Differential Reinforcement

Reinforcing alternative behaviors.

Using Punishment Wisely

Applying punishment carefully to avoid negative effects.

Active Learning

Learning through doing, not just passive listening.

Terminal Behavior in Instruction

Clearly defined objectives improve learning.

Mastery Learning Components

Small units, logical sequence, mastery criteria, remediation.

Backward Design in Assessment

Planning assessments before instruction.

Behaviorism for Special Education

Useful for students with developmental delays and behavior issues.