Chapter 5 PSYC 1100

What is learning?

A relatively permanent change in behavior or knowledge resulting from experience.

What is behaviorism?

A theory of learning focusing solely on observable behaviors, discounting mental activity.

What is observational learning?

Learning by watching and imitating others' behavior.

Example of observational learning

A child learning to tie shoes by watching a parent do it.

What is classical conditioning?

A process where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus.

Unconditioned Stimulus (US)

A stimulus that automatically triggers a natural response without prior learning.

Unconditioned Response (UR)

An unlearned, naturally occurring reaction to an unconditioned stimulus.

Neutral Stimulus (NS)

A stimulus that initially elicits no response before conditioning.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

An initially neutral stimulus that triggers a response after association with a US.

Conditioned Response (CR)

The learned response to a previously neutral (but now conditioned) stimulus.

Acquisition (Classical Conditioning)

The initial stage when a neutral stimulus is paired with an unconditioned stimulus.

Extinction (Classical Conditioning)

The weakening of a conditioned response when the CS is repeatedly presented without the US.

Spontaneous Recovery

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

Generalization vs. Discrimination

Generalization responds to similar stimuli; discrimination distinguishes between different stimuli.

Pavlov's Dogs: US and UR

US: Meat powder. UR: Salivation.

Pavlov's Dogs: NS, CS, and CR

NS/CS: Bell (or metronome). CR: Salivation to the bell.

Little Albert: US and UR

US: Loud clang. UR: Fear/crying.

Little Albert: NS, CS, and CR

NS/CS: White rat. CR: Fear of the white rat.

Little Albert: Generalization

Albert showed fear toward other furry objects, like a rabbit or Santa mask.

What is counterconditioning?

A therapy procedure that conditions a new, positive response to a fear-triggering stimulus.

What is aversive conditioning?

A type of counterconditioning that associates an unpleasant state with an unwanted behavior.

Example of aversive conditioning

Lacing fingernails with bitter polish to stop nail-biting.

What is habituation?

A decrease in response to a stimulus after repeated presentations.

What is operant conditioning?

A method of learning where behavior is controlled by consequences (rewards or punishments).

Who is B.F. Skinner?

The pioneer of operant conditioning who developed the operant chamber (Skinner Box).

What is reinforcement?

Any event or consequence that strengthens or increases the frequency of a behavior.

Positive Reinforcement vs. Negative Reinforcement

Positive adds a desirable stimulus; negative removes an aversive stimulus to increase behavior.

Example of Positive Reinforcement

Giving a dog a treat for sitting on command.

Example of Negative Reinforcement

Buckling your seatbelt to stop the annoying car alarm beep.

What is punishment?

Any event or consequence that decreases the frequency of a preceding behavior.

Positive Punishment vs. Negative Punishment

Positive adds an unpleasant stimulus; negative removes a desirable stimulus to decrease behavior.

Example of Positive Punishment

Scolding a student for texting during class.

Example of Negative Punishment

Taking away a teenager's phone for missing curfew.

What is shaping?

Guiding behavior by reinforcing successive approximations of a desired target behavior.

Example of shaping

Teaching a dog to roll over by rewarding lying down, then rolling sideways.

What is learned helplessness?

Passive resignation learned when unable to avoid repeated aversive events.

Example of learned helplessness

A dog failing to escape a shock because previous escapes were blocked.

Primary Reinforcer vs. Secondary Reinforcer

Primary satisfies a biological need (food); secondary gains value through association (money).

What is latent learning (implicit learning)?

Learning that occurs but is not demonstrated until there is an incentive.

What is insight learning?

A sudden, unexpected realization of a problem's solution without trial-and-error.

Who is Martha E. Bernal, Ph.D.?

The first Latina to receive a Ph.D. in psychology in the U.S.

How did Dr. Martha E. Bernal contribute to psychology?

She advanced multicultural psychology and researched ethnic identity development in children.