Unit 4: Learning

Classical Conditioning

A learning process associating a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus to evoke a conditioned response.

Operant Conditioning

Learning where behavior is influenced by consequences, leading to increased or decreased likelihood of behavior recurrence.

Observational Learning

Learning by observing others and imitating their behaviors.

Learned Helplessness

Feeling powerless due to past failures or negative outcomes.

Taste Aversion

Developing a dislike for certain foods due to negative associations.

Superstitious Behavior

Belief in cause and effect without logical connection.

Preparedness

Organism's readiness to be conditioned in certain ways due to evolutionary history.

Instinctive Drift

Tendency to revert to instinctive behaviors interfering with conditioned responses.

Albert Bandura

Psychologist known for social learning theory emphasizing observational learning.

B.F

Psychologist associated with operant conditioning theory.

Edward Thorndike

Psychologist known for the law of effect in behaviorism.

Edward Tolman

Psychologist who developed latent learning theory.

Ivan Pavlov

Physiologist known for classical conditioning experiments with dogs.

John Watson

Psychologist known as the father of behaviorism.

Wolfgang Kohler

Psychologist known for insight learning theory.

Classical Conditioning

A learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a stimulus that naturally evokes a response.

Conditioned Response (CR)

A learned reaction to a conditioned stimulus due to previous conditioning.

Acquisition

Linking the Neutral Stimulus (NS) and Unconditioned Stimulus (US) to trigger the Conditioned Response (CR).

Extinction

Gradual weakening and disappearance of a conditioned response when the conditioned stimulus is presented without the unconditioned stimulus.

Spontaneous Recovery

Reappearance of an extinguished conditioned response after a period without exposure to the conditioned stimulus.

Generalization

Triggering the conditioned response to a similar stimulus to the conditioned stimulus.

Discrimination

Conditioned response only occurring to a specific conditioned stimulus.

Fixed Ratio

A system of reinforcement where a response is rewarded only after a specified number of responses.

Variable Ratio

Delivering reinforcements after an unpredictable number of responses.

Fixed Interval

A schedule of reinforcement where the first response is rewarded only after a specified amount of time has elapsed.

Variable Interval

A schedule of reinforcement where a response is rewarded after an unpredictable amount of time has elapsed.

Acquisition

The initial stage of learning or conditioning where a response is first established and gradually strengthened.

B.F

A psychologist who developed the theory of operant conditioning, stating that behavior is determined by its consequences.

Chaining

Linking individual behaviors into a sequence where each behavior serves as both an end result and a cue for the next one.

Cognitive Map

A mental representation of the layout of one's physical environment.

Discrimination

The ability to differentiate between specific and similar stimuli.

E.L

A psychologist who developed the law of effect, stating that behaviors followed by pleasant outcomes are likely to be repeated.

Edward Tolman

A psychologist who developed a cognitive view of learning known as latent learning.

Extinction

The gradual weakening and disappearance of a conditioned response.

Generalization

The tendency for a conditioned response to be evoked by similar stimuli.

Insight Learning

Solving a problem through sudden understanding or realization.

Interval Schedule

Reinforcement after a specific amount of time has passed.

John Garcia

Known for research on taste aversion and the Garcia Effect.

Latent Learning

Learning that occurs without obvious reinforcement and is demonstrated later.

Law of Effect

Responses followed by satisfaction are likely to be repeated.

Negative Punishment

Taking away something desirable to decrease behavior likelihood.

Reproduction

The ability in psychology to recreate mental images or concepts from memory.

Retention

The psychological ability to keep or hold onto information and recall it when needed.