Learning

What is operant conditioning?

A learning method that uses rewards and punishments for behavior. We engage in behaviors that lead to good outcomes and tend to avoid those leading to bad outcomes.

How is operant conditioning different from classical conditioning?

Classical conditioning associates a stimulus with an involuntary response. Operant conditioning associates a voluntary behavior with a consequence.

What is the law of effect?

Behavior followed by a positive outcome is more likely to be repeated, whereas behavior followed by negative consequences is avoided.

What are primary and secondary reinforcements?

Primary reinforcements are biological (e.g., eating), while secondary reinforcements are learned (e.g., verbal praise).

How does punishment affect behavior?

Punishment can cause an individual to avoid repeating a behavior due to association with negative consequences.

What are the advantages of continuous reinforcement?

Allows for quick learning of desired behavior.

What are the disadvantages of continuous reinforcement?

Difficult to maintain over time due to the effort required to reinforce behavior every time.

What is positive reinforcement?

Rewarding with a pleasant stimulus after a behavior to increase the likelihood of repeating it.

What is negative reinforcement?

Removing an unpleasant stimulus after a behavior to increase the likelihood of repeating it.

What are the four partial reinforcement schedules?

1. Fixed Ratio (FR), 2. Variable Ratio (VR), 3. Fixed Interval (FI), 4. Variable Interval (VI).

What is a Fixed Ratio schedule?

Reinforcement provided after a set number of responses.

What is a Variable Ratio schedule?

Reinforcement provided after an unpredictable number of responses.

What is a Fixed Interval schedule?

Reinforcement provided after a fixed amount of time, after at least one response.

What is a Variable Interval schedule?

Reinforcement provided after an unpredictable amount of time, after at least one response.

What is B.F. Skinner known for?

He developed the theory of Operant Conditioning and created the Skinner Box to prove his theory.

What is the effect of Fixed Ratio reinforcement?

Produces a high rate of response with a brief pause after reinforcement.

What is the effect of Variable Ratio reinforcement?

Produces a very high and steady rate of response, highly resistant to extinction.

What is the effect of Fixed Interval reinforcement?

Produces a 'scalloped' response pattern with increased responses as reinforcement approaches.

What is the effect of Variable Interval reinforcement?

Produces a steady and moderate rate of response, also highly resistant to extinction.

What is observational learning?

A learning process where individuals acquire new behaviors by watching others and imitating their actions.

What is vicarious learning

A form of observational learning where individuals learn by observing the consequences and rewards of others' actions.

Living vicariously through someone

When you feel like you’re living through someone else’s life such as in the show toddlers and tiaras

How do role models affect society?

Role models influence societal norms and behaviors by providing examples for others to emulate, often shaping attitudes and values in communities.

Who is Albert Bandura and what is his claim to fame?

A renowned psychologist known for his work on social learning theory and the concept of observational learning, he did the bobo doll experiment

What is antisocial behaviour

Behavior that is harmful to others and disregard other’s wellbeing, also defying societal norms

What is pro-social behaviour

Behavior that positively impacts others and promotes social acceptance, often involving helping or cooperating with others.

Who is John Watson

A psychologist known for behaviourism, and his work on classical conditoning and the little albert experiement