Learning and Conditioning

These flashcards cover key concepts related to learning and conditioning, including classical and operant conditioning principles, reinforcement and punishment types, and important learning processes.

Classical Conditioning

Learning by associating two stimuli together.

Operant Conditioning

Learning by associating a behavior with its consequences.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

A previously neutral stimulus that, after conditioning, elicits a conditioned response.

Unconditioned Stimulus (US)

A stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response without prior conditioning.

Unconditioned Response (UR)

The unlearned, naturally occurring response to the unconditioned stimulus.

Conditioned Response (CR)

The learned response to a previously neutral stimulus that is now a conditioned stimulus.

Reinforcement

Any event that strengthens or increases the behavior it follows.

Positive Reinforcement

Adding a desirable stimulus to increase a behavior.

Negative Reinforcement

Removing an aversive stimulus to increase a behavior.

Punishment

An event that decreases the behavior that it follows.

Positive Punishment

Adding an aversive stimulus to decrease a behavior.

Negative Punishment

Removing a desired stimulus to decrease a behavior.

Acquisition

The initial stage of learning when a response is established.

Generalization

The tendency to respond to stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus.

Discrimination

The ability to distinguish between different stimuli.

Extinction

The gradual weakening of a conditioned response when the unconditioned stimulus is no longer presented.

Spontaneous Recovery

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

Observational Learning

Learning by observing and imitating others.

Vicarious Reinforcement

Reinforcement that occurs when observing the consequences of another's behavior.

Instinctive Drift

The tendency for an animal's behavior to revert to genetically controlled patterns.

Taste Aversions

A learned avoidance of a particular food or taste.

Mirror Neurons

Neurons that fire both when an individual acts and when the individual observes the same action performed by another.