Chapter 6 : Behaviorism & Learning Theory

Behaviorism

A psychological approach that de-emphasizes or rejects unobservable hypothetical constructs and focuses on observable behavior.

Classical Conditioning

A learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a conditioned response.

Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)

A stimulus that naturally elicits a response without prior learning.

Conditioned Response (CR)

A response that is learned through classical conditioning, elicited by a conditioned stimulus.

Generalization

The phenomenon where a conditioned response is elicited by stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus.

Discrimination

The ability to differentiate between stimuli and correctly respond only to the conditioned stimulus.

Extinction

The process by which a conditioned response diminishes after repeated presentation of the conditioned stimulus without the unconditioned stimulus.

Operant Conditioning

A learning process where behavior is influenced by the consequences that follow it, such as reinforcement or punishment.

Reinforcer

A consequence that increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated in the future.

Punisher

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

Escape and Avoidance Learning

Learning to perform a behavior to remove or avoid an aversive stimulus.

Law of Effect

The principle stating that behaviors followed by favorable consequences are more likely to occur, while those followed by unfavorable consequences are less likely to occur.

Little Albert Experiment

John Watson's study demonstrating classical conditioning of fear, where a child was conditioned to fear a white rat.