AP Psych Learning

variable-ratio schedule

Operant conditioning reinforcement is presented after a varying number of responses, such as on a slot machine.

extinction

The weakening of a conditioned response when the conditioned stimulus is no longer followed by the unconditioned stimulus; in operant conditioning, it occurs when a response is no longer reinforced.

higher-order conditioning

Pairs an established conditioned stimulus with a neutral stimulus, which may cause the latter to become a weak conditioned stimulus.

variable-interval schedule

Operant conditioned responses are reinforced after varying intervals of time.

fixed-interval schedule

Operant conditioning response is reinforced after a specified time has elapsed.

observational learning

Learning by watching and imitating the behavior of others.

classical conditioning

Pavlovian conditioning where a neutral stimulus becomes capable of triggering a conditioned response after becoming associated with an unconditioned stimulus.

generalization

The tendency for stimuli similar to the original conditioned stimulus to evoke a conditioned response once a response has been conditioned.

discrimination

In classical conditioning, the ability to distinguish the conditioned stimulus from similar stimuli that do not signal an unconditioned stimulus; in operant conditioning, it refers to responding differently to stimuli that signal reinforcement.

operant conditioning

A type of learning that works on behaviors operating on the environment, unlike classical conditioning, which works on automatic behaviors.

spontaneous recovery

The reappearance of an extinguished conditioned response after a rest period.

continuous reinforcement

An operant procedure of reinforcing the desired response every time it occurs, used best for acquiring a new response.

partial (intermittent) reinforcement

An operant procedure of reinforcing a response intermittently, which leads to greater resistance to extinction compared to continuous reinforcement.

punishment

In operant conditioning, presentation of an adverse stimulus that decreases the behavior it follows.

cognitive map

A mental picture of one's environment.

latent learning

Learning that occurs without reinforcement but becomes apparent when there is an incentive to demonstrate it.

primary reinforcers

Inborn reinforcers that do not depend on learning.

negative reinforcement

Operant conditioning that strengthens a response by removing an adverse stimulus after that response.

positive reinforcement

Operant conditioning that strengthens a response by presenting a typically pleasurable stimulus after that response.

reinforcer

Any event in operant conditioning that strengthens the behavior it follows.

shaping

An operant conditioning procedure for establishing a new response by reinforcing successive approximations of the desired behavior.

unconditioned response (UR)

In classical conditioning, the unlearned, involuntary response to the unconditioned stimulus.

unconditioned stimulus (US)

In classical conditioning, the stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers the reflexive unconditioned response.

conditioned stimulus (CS)

In classical conditioning, the originally neutral stimulus that triggers a conditioned response after association with an unconditioned stimulus.

conditioned response (CR)

In classical conditioning, the learned response to a previously neutral conditioned stimulus resulting from the acquired association with the unconditioned stimulus.

learning

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

delayed conditioning

In Pavlovian conditioning, learning that occurs when the conditioned stimulus is presented just before the unconditioned stimulus and continues until the organism responds to the unconditioned stimulus.

trace conditioning

The presentation of the conditioned stimulus, followed by a short break, followed by the presentation of the unconditioned stimulus.

temporal conditioning

The unconditioned stimulus presented at regularly timed intervals, where conditioned response acquisition depends on the correct timing of the interval.

simultaneous conditioning

In Pavlovian conditioning, learning that occurs when the conditioned stimulus is presented at the same time as the unconditioned stimulus.

blocking effect

The failure of a second conditioned stimulus to become classically conditioned because the first conditioned stimulus blocks it from eliciting a conditioned response.

contiguity vs contingency

Contiguity is the tendency to perceive two things that happen close together in time as related, while contingency refers to the dependence on chance or the fulfillment of a condition.

secondary reinforcer

A stimulus, such as money, that becomes reinforcing through its link with a primary reinforcer.

partial reinforcement

Reinforcing a response only part of the time, leading to slower acquisition but greater resistance to extinction compared to continuous reinforcement.

learned helplessness

The hopelessness and passive resignation an animal or human learns when unable to avoid repeated aversive events.