Learning Concepts and Theories

Flashcards covering key concepts in learning theories such as neuroplasticity, classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and cognitive learning.

Learning

A long-lasting change in behavior resulting from experience.

Neuroplasticity

The ability of the brain to change throughout an individual’s life.

Long-term potentiation (LTP)

A persistent strengthening of synapses based on recent patterns of activity.

Asssociative Learning

Learning that certain events occur together, including classical and operant conditioning.

Classical Conditioning

Learning to associate two stimuli and anticipate events, as described by Ivan Pavlov.

Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)

The original stimulus that naturally elicits a response (e.g., food).

Unconditioned Response (UCR)

The natural response to the unconditioned stimulus (e.g., salivation to food).

Neutral Stimulus

A stimulus that initially produces no particular response (e.g., the sound of a bell before conditioning).

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

A previously neutral stimulus that, after conditioning, elicits a conditioned response (e.g., a bell).

Conditioned Response (CR)

The learned response to the conditioned stimulus (e.g., salivating at the sound of a bell).

Delayed Conditioning

Acquisition occurs fastest when the CS is presented while it is still ringing when the UCS (food) is given.

Extinction

The process of unlearning behavior when the CS no longer elicits a CR.

Spontaneous Recovery

The reappearance of a conditioned response after a rest period following extinction.

Generalization

The tendency to respond to stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus.

Discrimination

The ability to distinguish between different stimuli and respond only to the conditioned stimulus.

Operant Conditioning

A learning process through which the strength of a behavior is modified by reinforcement or punishment.

Reinforcement

Anything that increases the likelihood of a behavior.

Positive Reinforcement

Adding a pleasant stimulus to increase behavior (e.g., giving food).

Negative Reinforcement

Removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase behavior (e.g., stopping a loud noise).

Punishment

Anything that decreases the likelihood of a behavior.

Escape Conditioning

Learning to avoid an unpleasant stimulus by leaving the situation.

Cognitive Learning

Learning through observation, imitating others, or through language.

Observational Learning

Learning that occurs through observing the behaviors of others.

Latent Learning

Learning that occurs without reinforcement, motivation, or conscious awareness.

Insight Learning

Learning that occurs suddenly through understanding the relationships among various parts of a problem.