Chapter 4: Learning and Human Nature — Operant Conditioning and Related Concepts

Vocabulary flashcards covering operant conditioning, reinforcement, punishment, schedules, cognitive learning concepts, and associated brain mechanisms.

Operant Conditioning

A learning process in which a behavior is shaped by its consequences after the behavior occurs (rewards or punishments).

Law of Effect

Responses that produce desirable outcomes are strengthened or stamped into the organism.

Reinforcer

A consequence that increases the probability of a response; can be presented after a response or removal of a stimulus to affect the response.

Positive Reinforcement

Adding a stimulus after a response to increase the likelihood of that response.

Negative Reinforcement

Removing an aversive stimulus after a response to increase the likelihood of that response.

Positive Punishment

Adding an aversive stimulus after a response to decrease the likelihood of that response.

Negative Punishment

Removing an attractive stimulus after a response to decrease the likelihood of that response.

Primary Reinforcer

Reinforcers that fulfill basic biological needs and have innate value (e.g., food, sex).

Secondary (Conditioned) Reinforcer

Stimuli like money or tokens that gain reinforcing power through association with primary reinforcers.

Continuous Reinforcement

Reinforcing every correct response.

Intermittent (Partial) Reinforcement

Reinforcing only some correct responses rather than all.

Fixed Ratio (FR) Schedule

Reinforcement after a fixed number of responses.

Variable Ratio (VR) Schedule

Reinforcement after a varying number of responses; the number changes across trials.

Fixed Interval (FI) Schedule

Reinforcement after a fixed amount of time, regardless of responses.

Variable Interval (VI) Schedule

Reinforcement after a varying amount of time.

Shaping

Reinforcing successive approximations toward a complex target behavior.

Premack Principle

A more preferred activity can reinforce a less preferred activity.

Instinctive Drift

Innate response tendencies interfere with learned behaviors, limiting reinforcement.

CS (Conditioned Stimulus)

A previously neutral stimulus that, after association with a UCS, elicits a conditioned response.

UCS (Unconditioned Stimulus)

A stimulus that naturally elicits a response without conditioning.

UCR (Unconditioned Response)

The natural, unlearned reaction to the UCS.

CR (Conditioned Response)

The learned response to the conditioned stimulus.

Observational Learning

Learning by watching others and the consequences of their behavior.

Bandura

Psychologist known for studies of observational learning and social learning theory.

Mirror Neurons

Neurons that help us imitate others’ behaviors, supporting observational learning.

Long-Term Potentiation

A biological process strengthening synapses; believed to be a neural basis of learning.

Extinction (in learning)

The weakening or disappearance of a conditioned response when reinforcement stops.

Latent Learning

Learning that occurs without reinforcement and is not immediately expressed.

Insight Learning

Sudden reorganization of perception that leads to problem solving.

Cognitive Maps

Mental representations of spatial relationships; evidence for cognitive learning.

Glutamate

A neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory processes.

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter involved in arousal and memory processes related to learning.