Chapter 1–6: Conditioning, Reinforcement, and Observational Learning

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture notes on classical/operant conditioning, reinforcement, punishment, and Bandura's social learning theory.

Classical conditioning

A learning process in which an involuntary response becomes triggered by a previously neutral stimulus after repeated pairings (e.g., Pavlov's dogs).

Operant conditioning

A learning process in which behavior is shaped and maintained by its consequences (reinforcement or punishment); the behavior is voluntary.

Reinforcement

Any consequence that increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.

Punishment

Any consequence that decreases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.

Positive reinforcement

Adding a desirable stimulus after a behavior to increase its frequency (e.g., cookie for saying please).

Negative reinforcement

Removing an aversive stimulus after a behavior to increase its frequency (e.g., beeping stops once seat belt is buckled).

Positive punishment

Adding an undesirable stimulus to decrease a behavior (e.g., embarrassment sign, squirting with water).

Negative punishment

Removing a desirable stimulus to decrease a behavior (e.g., taking away TV time).

Skinner box (operant chamber)

A controlled environment where a subject can perform a behavior to obtain a reward; tracks responses and reinforces via mechanisms.

B. F. Skinner

Leading behaviorist who developed operant conditioning and the Skinner box; emphasized reinforcement.

Observational learning

Learning by watching and imitating others; also known as social learning.

Modeling

The act of demonstrating a behavior for others to imitate (live, verbal, or symbolic).

Albert Bandura

Psychologist who proposed observational learning and analyzed modeling; famous for the Bobo doll experiment.

Bobo doll experiment

Bandura's study showing children imitate aggressive behavior after observing an adult model assault a Bobo doll.

Live model

A model who is physically present and demonstrates behavior.

Verbal model

A model who explains how to perform a behavior, without being physically present.

Symbolic model

A model presented through media (stories, films) or symbols, not present in person.

Vicarious reinforcement

Learning or increased motivation to imitate after observing someone else being reinforced.

Vicarious punishment

Decreased likelihood of imitation after observing someone else being punished.

Primary reinforcer

Innate, biologically satisfying reinforcers (e.g., food, relief from pain).

Conditioned (secondary) reinforcer

A reinforcer that has acquired value through association with a primary reinforcer (e.g., money).

Shaping

Gradual reinforcement of successive approximations toward a target behavior.

Extinction

The weakening of a previously reinforced behavior when reinforcement stops.

Classical conditioning vs. operant conditioning

Classical involves involuntary responses to stimuli; operant involves voluntary behavior and consequences.

Prosocial vs antisocial modeling effects

Observational learning can lead to positive (prosocial) or negative (antisocial) outcomes depending on modeled behavior.