Unit 3a Module 3.7-3.9 Learning - Vocab

Learning

Learning

A relatively permanent change in an organism's behavior due to experience.

Associative Learning

Learning that certain events occur together. The events may be two stimuli (as in classical conditioning) or a response and its consequences (as in operant conditioning).

Behaviorism

The view that psychology should be an objective science that studies behavior without reference to mental processes. Most research psychologists today agree with the first part but not the second part.

Classical Conditioning

A type of learning in which one learns to link two or more stimuli and anticipate events.

Unconditioned Response (UR)

In classical conditioning, the unlearned, naturally occurring response to the unconditioned stimulus (US), such as salivation when food is in the mouth.

Unconditioned Stimulus (US)

In classical conditioning, a stimulus that unconditionally-naturally and automatically-triggers a response.

Conditioned Response (CR)

In classical conditioning, the learned response to a previously neutral (but now conditioned) stimulus (CS).

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

In classical conditioning, an originally irrelevant stimulus that, after association with an unconditioned stimulus (US), comes to trigger a conditioned response (CR).

Acquisition

In classical conditioning, the initial stage, when one links a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus so that the neutral stimulus begins triggering the conditioned response. In operant conditioning, the strengthening of a reinforced response.

Extinction

The diminishing of a conditioned response; occurs in classical conditioning when an unconditioned stimulus does not follow a conditioned stimulus; occurs in operant conditioning when a response is no longer reinforced.

Spontaneous Recovery

The reappearance, after a pause, of an extinguished conditioned response.

Generalization

The tendency, once a response has been conditioned, for stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus to elicit similar responses.

Discrimination

In classical conditioning, the learned ability to distinguish between a conditioned stimulus and stimuli that do not signal an unconditioned stimulus.

One-Trial Conditioning

Learning that occurs after just one pairing of a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus.

Operant Conditioning

A type of learning in which behavior is strengthened if followed by a reinforcer or diminished if followed by a punisher.

Respondent Behavior

Behavior that occurs as an automatic response to some stimulus; Skinner's term for behavior learned through classical conditioning.

Operant Behavior

Behavior that operates on the environment, producing consequences.

Law of Effect

Thorndike's principle that behaviors followed by favorable consequences become more likely, and behaviors followed by unfavorable consequences become less likely.

Operant Chamber (Skinner Box)

In operant conditioning research, a chamber containing a bar or key that an animal can manipulate to obtain a food or water reinforcer; attached devices record the animal's rate of bar pressing or key pecking.

Shaping

An operant conditioning procedure in which reinforcers guide behavior toward closer and closer approximations of the desired behavior.

Successive Approximations

Small steps in behavior, one after the other, that lead to a particular goal behavior.

Reinforcer

In operant conditioning, any event that strengthens the behavior it follows.

Positive Reinforcement

Increasing behaviors by presenting positive stimuli, such as food. A positive reinforcer is any stimulus that, when presented after a response, strengthens the response.

Negative Reinforcement

Increasing behaviors by stopping or reducing negative stimuli, such as shock. A negative reinforcer is any stimulus that, when removed after a response, strengthens the response. (Note: Negative reinforcement is not punishment.)

Primary Reinforcers

An innately reinforcing stimulus, such as one that satisfies a biological need.

Conditioned Reinforcers

A stimulus that gains its reinforcing power through its association with a primary reinforcer; also known as a secondary reinforcer.

Continuous Reinforcement

Reinforcing the desired response every time it occurs.

Partial (Intermittent) Reinforcement

Reinforcing a response only part of the time; results in slower acquisition of a response but much greater resistance to extinction than does continuous reinforcement.

Fixed-Ratio Schedule

In operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response only after a specified number of responses.

Variable-Ratio Schedule

In operant conditioning, a reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response after an unpredictable number of responses.

Punishment

An event that decreases the behavior that it follows.

Cognitive Map

A mental representation of the layout of one's environment.

Latent Learning

Learning that occurs but is not apparent until there is an incentive to demonstrate it.

Intrinsic Motivation

A desire to perform a behavior effectively for its own sake.

Extrinsic Motivation

A desire to perform a behavior to receive promised rewards or avoid threatened punishment.

Observational Learning

Learning by observing others. Also called social learning.

Modeling

The process of observing and imitating a specific behavior.

Vicarious Conditioning

Classical conditioning of a reflex response or emotion by watching the reaction of another person.

Mirror Neurons

Frontal lobe neurons that some scientists believe fire when performing certain actions or when observing another doing so. The brain's mirroring of another's action may enable imitation and empathy.

Prosocial Behavior

Positive, constructive, helpful behavior. The opposite of antisocial behavior.