Key Concepts in Learning Psychology

These flashcards cover essential concepts and contributors in learning psychology, focusing on classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and observational learning.

What is the process of classical conditioning?

A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired together.

Define unconditioned stimulus (UCS).

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

What is a conditioned response (CR)?

A learned response to a previously neutral stimulus that has become conditioned.

What does the term 'extinction' refer to in classical conditioning?

The gradual weakening and eventual disappearance of the conditioned response.

What is spontaneous recovery?

The reappearance of a previously extinguished conditioned response after a pause.

Identify a major biological challenge to basic stimulus/response relationships.

John Garcia's research on bait-shyness demonstrating that certain associations are easier to learn.

What is positive reinforcement?

Adding a desirable stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior.

Define observational learning.

Learning that occurs through observing the behavior of others.

What is the overjustification effect?

When external rewards reduce intrinsic motivation to perform a behavior.

Who is associated with the concept of latent learning?

Edward Tolman.

What are the conditions necessary for observational learning to occur?

Attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation.

What is the significance of the Bobo doll experiment?

It demonstrated that children can learn behaviors through the observation of adults.

Define shaping in the context of operant conditioning.

The process of reinforcing successive approximations to achieve a desired behavior.

What is a fixed-ratio schedule in reinforcement?

A reinforcement schedule that delivers rewards after a set number of responses.

Identify a key contributor to operant conditioning.

B.F. Skinner.